In my previous posting, I itemized frequently-cited reasons for procrastination and what you could do to conquer it. However that is supposing that you are the one procrastinating. On the other hand, you may be the take-charge, do-it-now personality and have to live or work with a procrastinator.

The do-it-now person often struggles to understand why the other keeps putting things off. It usually doesn’t help to admonish them to “get started” or “just do it.” Let’s look at a few of the reasons for procrastination, and how you help them understand your views and make changes.

1. Lack of interest: If your priorities and theirs do not match, explain to them why this is important to you and what the consequences of not getting it done will be.
2. Lack of time: When they typically underestimate how long something will take, and then end up with incomplete work, teach them “backtiming,” where you go from the final deadline back through the steps to the must-start date.
3. Perfection: If they delay because they are not sure they will produce a perfect result, use the “What if…” scenario, evaluating possible outcomes and consequences of each.
4. Others’ opinions: If you think that the procrastinator is worried about possible failure and subsequent rejection, help him or her understand it is natural. Share your own fears.
5. Uncertainty: When they are not sure what is expected, encourage them to go back and seek clarification from those involved so that they can fully understand what will be needed to produce the result.
6. The unknown: They fear new things and this risk factor causes avoidance. Recall things in the past that they accomplished, reminding them that conquering something new can also be stimulating and rewarding.
7. Poor work habits: To limit their multitasking habits, you can remove distractions. Keep the children out of the way or handle phone calls so that they can focus.

What more can you do to help you deal with the procrastinators in your life?

• Set false deadlines. Move up the date or time when a task or event is very important.
• Assign one task at a time. Too many things at once can cause a procrastinator to freeze up and do nothing.
• Be clear about consequences. Let everyone know about the downside of not getting work done.
• Provide rewards. Temper diligent efforts with subsequent free time or fun activities.
• Use outside help. Hire someone to take over the job or to assist the procrastinator. It is harder to avoid a task when another person is present.