Have you found yourself saying I'll get round to it", but "it" never happens. Do you always seem to have an excuse for not doing something that really needs to be done? Have you thought about going on a diet or taking a new class? Do you leave writing a report or preparing a presentation right to the last minute and then find that you have put yourself under even more pressure and notice your stress levels rising at the same time?

Last year I didnt even know that e-books or Ezines existed. More recently I have made more discoveries, such as affiliate marketing and many other tools on the internet to help and support the huge growth in online sales. What a wonderful excuse, to tread carefully and not rush into action, I can take my time and do lots of research. Of course I need to research articles; however I can spend too long researching my chosen subject, putting off the day when I get writing and submitting articles. The truth is I can stop myself taking action, as I am not sure what to do or I am worried I wont do it right. When a friend calls up and asks me over, I jump at the chance, anything to avoid action!

I have often found myself thinking, I wont do it today, Ill have more time tomorrow. Before I know it a month has gone by. In fact, three months have gone by and I have done very little writing. Three weeks ago I made a decision just to get started, I found the first few days quite challenging. The words didnt flow, I didnt write much and I found it very difficult to find any inspiration.

Today is a writing day for me. Last night I planned what I wanted to achieve today. I eliminated any obstacles that I might find to distract me. I knew how frustrated I would feel at the end of today if I didnt achieve what I set myself. I found myself getting a little stale after a couple of hours so I took my dog for a long walk; I had planned to do this today! One of my other Ill do it tomorrows is to get fit and lose some weight. As I walked new ideas and strategies popped into my head and I felt renewed with energy.

Here are some simple strategies that have helped me in the last few weeks:

Know where you want to go to

Be as clear as you can about your end goal, where you want to get to and why and you will measure success. I have written my goals on post-it pads; they are on my office wall and have helped me focus greatly. I also have a wonderful dream board, which I did in April of this year and I have reminded myself of the bigger dreams I have set for myself. If youre still not sure about your goal, list out the pros and cons of accomplishing it. If the advantages dont outweigh the disadvantages, is it worth doing?

If you are stuck, start small

Break your task into bite sized chunks. Just 15 minutes a day of focused action maybe all that is needed. Close your mind and door to all other interruptions! If you want to write a hundred-page book, write a page a day and it will be finished in less than four months. If you want to get fitter, a 15 minute walk is a good start.

Fast forward to tomorrow

Just imagine how you will if tomorrow you have a similar conversation with yourself, why havent I started?

Share your plans

If you share your plans with someone else (who will support you), making them public will hold you more accountable than if you keep all your ideas in your head. If you want to take more exercise, and then exercise with a buddy, hire a personal trainer (either at your house or at the gym). If you are stuck with words, then talk to a few friends or colleagues and you will find as you talk your ideas will flow and the stickiness will disappear.

Use the day wisely

I do my best work in the mornings, so I have ensured at least once a week I clear my diary so I can start writing early in the morning. If I havent taken a walk by lunchtime, then I usually find a good reason not to go at all.

I feel privileged to work as a coach. Most days I encounter clients who also get stuck, leave things to the last minute and wonder why they are always feeling stressed. It is good for me to know that many other people perhaps like me sometimes dont use their time wisely. I have choices today, in how I spend my time. It feels good not to be saying today, Ill do it tomorrow.