Putting off important tasks (aka procrastination) is something almost all of us are guilty of. The reason we delay these tasks is often because they’re expensive or difficult, but putting them off can often make them more expensive and more difficult to deal with in the long run. In some cases, putting off these tasks may even lead us to miss out on opportunities that can never be got back.
Now could be the time to stop procrastinating and start being proactive when it comes to such important tasks. Here are just ten examples of important tasks you need to stop putting off.
Servicing your car
Many of us put off getting our car serviced, even when there is a clear mechanical problem. This can result in problems getting worse to the point that they could cause a breakdown or accident. It may be costly to fix the problem now, but it could be more costly (and dangerous) to ignore it.
Making home repairs
Cracks in walls and leaky pipes can often be ignored too because of the cost of repairs, but these too can get worse in the long run. If you’re renting a property, you may not even be responsible for the cost of these repairs – it may be a case of simply notifying your landlord who can fix the problem for you.
Hunting for a new job
A lot of people put off finding a new job, choosing to stay in a job that makes them unhappy. Job-hunting is hard work and making a career shift can be scary, but it could be important for your happiness and future goals. Simply dedicate a couple of hours a week to job hunting and take the leap when the opportunity arises.
Switching bill providers
Switching to another energy or insurance provider can be a hassle, but it could save you massive costs. There are so many services nowadays such as comparison sites and brokers that switching needn’t even be that stressful. The same applies to refinanced debts.
Starting those savings
Got something big you want to save up for, but haven’t started saving yet? Now could also be the time to set up that savings accounts and start contributing small amounts. $5 per week is better than nothing – at least you’re saving something.
Decluttering your home
Clutter can make a home feel cramped and can make it harder to clean. Despite this, many of us let clutter build up until sorting through it becomes a monumental task. The longer you leave it, the more stuff you’ll have to sort through. Dedicate your next free day off to tackle some of your clutter. There could even be stuff that you can sell for cash!
Pursuing that love interest
This one can result in years of regret if you continue to put it off. If you have the hots for someone and have done so for some time, now could be the time to ask them out on a date. They’ll either say yes or no – either way it will be a relief off your shoulders.
Checking in on friends/relatives
Is there a friend or relative who you’ve been meaning to catch up with for some time? The longer you leave it, the further you’ll drift apart. If it’s an older relative, you may even be on a limited time. All it takes is a simple message or a phone call – you may not even have to meet up if you’re too busy.
Visiting the dentist
A lot of people don’t go for regular check-ups and may even ignore a toothache. Whilst a visit to the dentist can be unpleasant, you could be causing further damage to your teeth by putting it off. In the case of a toothache, you may even be able to clear it up with antibiotics by seeing a dentist early, whilst leaving it could result in the need for root canal treatment or even tooth extraction.
Seeing the doctor
Not seeing the doctor can be one of the worst forms of procrastination – especially if you’ve got a health concern that you suspect could be serious. Many health problems are easier to cure when caught early. By ignoring the problem, you’re just causing more pain and discomfort for yourself and possibly endangering yourself.