We convince ourselves that none of our varied obligations is so pressing as to require our time right now. In other words, procrastination’s short-term benefit is a feeling of control and peace.
So take a break.
Just be aware that the feel-good benefits of procrastination can quickly erode into panic.

Here are 11 common causes of procrastination and corresponding tips to help you find the pace you’re looking for:

1. Complicated-task anxiety: Break big, complicated tasks into smaller pieces. Complete a starter task, no matter how small.
2. Fear of imperfection: Accept that perfection is rarely attainable and seldom necessary. You’re a person, not a robot. Use the 80/20 rule whenever appropriate.
3. Indecision: Determine your decision-making criteria, then set a deadline for your decision. Ask a friend to hold you accountable.
4. Priority confusion: Distinguish obligations from options. What are you really responsible for? List and prioritize tasks.
5. Boredom from minutiae: Automate simple repetitive tasks whenever possible.
6. Lack of focus: Minimize distractions. Check e-mail and voicemail only twice per day instead of every 5 minutes. Find a quiet room where you can concentrate. Resist the urge to keep taking breaks.
7. Poor organizational skills: Clean your work area. Put tools and utensils in their proper place so you can find them when you need them.
8. Laziness: Remind yourself of the consequences of procrastination. Resist the urge to be a couch potato. Try to complete several small tasks to provide a feeling of accomplishment. Reward yourself.
9. Lack of energy: Maintain a regular sleep routine. Eat healthy. Exercise regularly. Do not skip breakfast.
10. Early morning lag: Before you stop working each day, make a list of the tasks you want to begin first thing the following morning so you can hit the ground running the next day.
11. Post-lunch fatigue: Before leaving for lunch, make a list of the things you plan to do when you get back so you can pick up where you left off. Avoid eating a heavy lunch.

Break big, complicated tasks into smaller pieces. Complete a starter task, no matter how small.

perfection is rarely attainable and seldom necessary.

Distinguish obligations from options. What are you really responsible for?

Automate simple repetitive tasks whenever possible.

Minimize distractions.

Find a quiet room where you can concentrate. Resist the urge to keep taking breaks

It's that time of year again: relationship "make it or break it" time. If you want to make sure that you keep your girlfriend and not slip up, then perhaps you should examine the following suggestions of things you could do for your lovely lady on Valentine's Day.

Number 10
Reenact your first date
One of the most romantic things you can do is get nostalgic with your girlfriend. Women go gaga for guys who remember the details of the past, such as the restaurant you went to on your first date, what you ate and you did afterward. It will be like celebrating your anniversary and you can combine gifts with cards that mention how happy you are that you met her.

Number 9
Partake in a physical activity
No, not that kind of physical activity; I mean something that will get your heartbeat going, like ice skating or going for a hike in the woods and bringing wine to drink on the way. Such activities are perfect to boost an old and predictable relationship, and nothing will kick start a new relationship better than such a thrill ride. If you take her out, take her to a pottery and painting shop where you can actually talk, be creative and share your thoughts. If you want to invite her over, make sure you cook something together so you're both engaged in the activity.

Number 8
Go for the massage
Either you give her a full-body massage or better yet, reserve a double massage for him and her. You should both take some time off and enjoy some relaxation together. It is lover's day after all, not just girlfriend's day. Any kind of spa getaway is perfect for Valentine's Day.

Number 7
Make a path of rose petals
Girls flip over temptation, flirting and teasing, so buy a lot of rose petals or even potpourri, and leave a trail from the entrance of the house to your bedroom. Leave her a little gift on the bed and she'll feel like it's a romantic treasure hunt, and the rewards will be spectacular.

Number 6
Rent a hotel room & pretend you're tourists
There is something exciting about not having to clean up the bedroom afterward, so rent a hotel room, grab some bubbly, and use all your senses as you pretend to be out-of-town tourists on a love journey.

Number 5
Don't forget to do your homework
Nothing spices up a mundane relationship as much as staying at home, renting an erotic movie and "getting to know one another" better all over again. This is obviously not suitable for a first date if you catch my drift, but perfect for couples who have been together for some time.

Number 4
Have sex in public
Although this may not be for everybody -- and all climates -- some couples will get a thrill of a lifetime if they perform the act on risky grounds. It definitely serves as a bonding period and is sure to serve as a great inside joke between the two of you for years to come.

Number 3
Get away
If your work, time and budget allow it, plan a two or three-day vacation getaway, specifically at a ski or spa resort. This is guaranteed wild action, and may even take place outdoors.

Number 2
Dress up
Dress up as if you are going to the opera, and go to a restaurant or just have dinner at home. Girls love an excuse to get all dolled up and the fact that you'll be getting dressed up will make anything you decide to do seem like a special occasion. This will be telling her you think she is special, and she'll love it.

Number 1
Pop the question
If you think that the time is right and you have that look in your eyes... if you are sick of the single life, and if you are... well, when the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed, then maybe, just maybe, there is no better time to propose to her.

A time to shine
Hopefully this article gave you some fresh ideas for what to do with your girlfriend on Valentine's Day. You can combine some of them to make it an all-day event and you can modify as you see fit. Remember: Use the special occasion to make her feel special, and she'll be on cloud nine. Have fun and happy Valentine's Day.