We all put some things off until tomorrow (or next week), but sometimes that behavior can cause problems. Bills don't get paid on time. Tax forms are submitted late. Projects are postponed for a last-minute scramble.

This behavior can cause us to feel guilty, burdened, and exhausted. Plus, it can cost us in penalties and relationship problems - not to mention lost sleep!

1.       Do it first thing in the morning - If you aren't mustering the energy for an unpleasant or difficult task, try tackling it first thing in the morning - before your other tasks take over your day. Then you can spend the rest of your day on enjoyable projects.

2.       Think about the project's steps - If you're overwhelmed by the sheer size of a project, break it down into smaller steps. It helps to think of the steps backwards, from completion to beginning. Write each step on your calendar and stick to these deadlines, just as you would if they were appointments with your boss or a friend. Step by step, you'll make progress.

3.       Just do one tiny thing now - Still having trouble moving forward? Do one small, easy task to move your project forward. For example, pull the binder off the shelf to start that report. Or grab a stack of photos for your album.

4.       Get a little help from a friend - If you still can't get motivated, ask a friend or colleague to help you. It's amazing how companionship can help you get focused and energized to tackle that tough job. To ensure non-judgmental help, a professional organizer can guide you through your organizational or time-management project.

5.       Trick yourself! - Do you procrastinate on projects because you enjoy the excitement of last-minute scrambles? If so, try this trick: Forbid yourself to work on a "procrastination" project for 15 minutes, then do nothing but think about that project. Considering the project and the steps involved might move you into action.

6.       Consider crossing it off your list - Now be honest: Do you have a project on your plate that you will never get around to doing? Maybe you can delegate it to a family member, friend or co-worker, or hire an outside service to do it for you. Or perhaps you can cross it off your list and move on with your life. Now that will ease your burden a bit!

Let's move into action...

Take a moment to select a tip that fits your style, tackle that "procrastination" project, and lift the burden from your life!

From overflowing to overjoyed: Commercial artist discovers new world of creativity

The Situation: Mary's commercial-art studio overflowed with art supplies acquired over the years. Instead of inspiring creativity, her crowded studio snuffed out inspiration. "I'd brought these books, canvases, and tools into my studio to help me be creative, but all this stuff actually shut down my creativity," Mary commented. "I felt overwhelmed, but I put off organizing my studio because I didn't know where to start."

The Solution: We helped Mary sort her art supplies into logical groupings. Once she saw all the duplicates, we helped her decide which items to keep ... in a new, easy-to-use storage system. Plus, Mary was able to return excess supplies to the store and recouped quite a bit of money.

The Outcome: Mary discovered that her new organizational structure actually expanded her creativity instead of stifling it, as she had feared. She told us, "It felt good to begin organizing my studio after all these years. The filing system works great, and our plan to move forward will make such a difference. Your calm, non-judgmental, can-do attitude gave me confidence that I will maintain my new system. Thank you for being a positive influence in my life as I imagine and re-create a new world for myself."