5 Strategies to Stop Procrastinating and Get Your End-of-Life Plan Together

Most of us know that we really should prepare an end-of-life plan, complete with a will and a record of accounts and contacts. But the task is often pushed aside because we’re too busy, don’t know what to do or where to begin, or believe we don’t need to worry about it right now. There are all kinds of reasons why we feel it isn’t the right time.

The truth is creating an end-of-life plan doesn’t have to be difficult, nor does it have to take a lot of time. And it’s never too early.

Philosopher William James was not understating the impact of procrastination when he said, “Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an unfulfilled goal.”

When we procrastinate, we squander away our free time and put off the important tasks we should be doing until it’s too late. Don’t let procrastination take over. Use these five strategies to overcome it.

1. Visualize the future. Imagine the emotions you and your loved ones will feel. Sure watching TV or scrolling through your social feeds may be more fun, but focus on the feeling you’ll have when you have completed an important task.

2. Take small steps. The bigger the task, the easier it is to become overwhelmed. Break down the work into small steps, and then focus on one part at a time. If you are still procrastinating, break it down even more. The first step is always the most difficult – so making it easiest to achieve will create momentum, moving you steadily in the right direction. Once you’ve started, stay disciplined and set aside regular blocks of time to keep moving forward.

3. Change your environment. The rational brain relies on willpower, which means we have a better chance of success when we build cues into our environment. Does your workspace make you want to work? If not, change things around to create a workspace that makes you feel inspired.

4. Harness fear. Think about what you want versus what you don’t want. If you do nothing today, how will you feel tomorrow or next month or next year? Be honest with yourself and turn your emotion into action.

5. Enlist a support team. As with most challenges, having a network of people who hold each other accountable makes the process easier. Set up regular check-ins with family members, close friends, and even professional advisors to help you keep focused and on track.

The only resource we have is time itself – and because we don’t know how much of it we have, today is the perfect day to start. Even with the smallest step, you will be moving forward.

Use your time well and live a life with no regrets.