Putting things off as long as possible or longer than necessary -- procrastination -- is a good way to get behind on important matters and cause even more stress than the situation being put off. With the satisfaction of saying, "that can wait" and doing something different comes the possibility that a deadline will get too close to be managed. There is no reason to let procrastination become the norm. Instead of letting procrastination define how you handle things, overcome your procrastination and become more efficient in all areas of life.People who procrastinate tend to do it in most areas. They may put off getting gas on the way to work and get to the gas station on fumes after work. They may put off paying the bills until the day they are due -- provided they remember by then that the bills are due. In short, anything that can be done tomorrow will be put off, but other things always come up, so tomorrows just get busier and busier until something is not overlooked completely. You do not want procrastination to get that far. Get control of your procrastination by changing your thought process when it comes to getting things done. When something that needs to be done presents itself, try not to think, "Do I have to do that today?" Instead, think, "Can I do that today?" If the answer is yes, get to it. If you are procrastinating because you want more free time, you are being counterproductive. Once everything is done, you have free time and you do not have all the things you put off in the back of your mind.If procrastination is a big part of your life, start small. For example, if you are watching television and notice that the carpet needs vacuuming, do not stop and think, "I need to remember to vacuum." Just get up, get the vacuum and get it done. Your television break will be much more enjoyable when you are not surrounded by reminders that you need to do things.It is a given that some things need to be put off as more important things take precedence. Do not feel bad when this happens. That is not procrastination. That is prioritizing. Part of overcoming your procrastination is being able to prioritize your life, get things done and then enjoy the benefits of being efficient, such as stress-free -- or less stressful -- down time.