Set good goals. Ineffective goals also can lead to procrastination. In their book, The Worrier’s Guide to Overcoming Procrastination, authors Pamela Wiegartz, Ph.D, and Kevin L. Gyoerkoe, Psy.D, explain the five steps that make up good goals: determine your values; set your goal; identify the steps you need to accomplish it; anticipate problems and solutions; and reward yourself. The authors define values as “chosen life directions,” which “help us organize our choices and behaviors.” So consider what’s important to you, and see if your actions and efforts reflect those values. Maybe the reason you’re procrastinating is because your task doesn’t jive with your values. And remember that effective goals are also specific, challenging, measurable and feasible.