For many, however, the habit of procrastination can reach such chronic levels that it can have negative effects on their life. These effects range from financial difficulties, to broken relationships and even health problems. To those with the habit of procrastination at this level, it is no joke.

Procrastination And Finances

A person who procrastinates paying their bills will often wind up paying reconnection and overdue fees on service utilities. Many times these services get disconnected and because of the cost of upfront payments and other fees, they may or may not get turned back on again.

In addition, once a person gets into this habit their credit will suddenly begin to spiral downward causing them difficulty in future and potentially needed purchases. With no credit it's very difficult to purchase a home, a car or even obtain so much as a cell phone.

Those are just the necessities. Once a person's finances are curtailed because of procrastination it also has affects on their families. Luxury items and vacations become non-existent, and I've even read stories where the habit of procrastination has hit so hard that it becomes difficult to purchase food for the family.

Procrastination And Health

Procrastination can also have serious health implications for those that are in the habit of procrastinating seriously. The largest, and most common, health risk is that of depression. In fact, procrastination and depression are very closely linked.

The second most common health risk that procrastination presents is that of stress. Stress from not achieving, stress from financial burden and stress in relationships are many times a direct result of procrastination.

If procrastination isn't taken seriously the effects such as stress and depression can reach levels that require immediate and intensive professional care. Without such care the effects of the habit of procrastination can have long term health consequences.

The good news is that with a plan of action, time and persistence anybody can overcome the habit of procrastination. Once a person realizes that the habit of procrastination is having negative effects on their life, all they have to do is commit to change and follow through with their plan of action.

Here is a quick example.

Each year I give away between 1000 and 2000 books to relatives, friends, clients and strangers. In the last ten years that’s over 10,000 free books I have given away valued at between $15. And $20. These people have received a gift. Unsolicited yes, but a gift nonetheless. How many people do you think have said thank you in the past ten years? (either calls or notes) Less than 25.

I guarantee someone in your life has done something for you that they feel deserves a simple thank you or some small appreciation. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Call at least one person a day and thank them for something.

2. Send out 5 thank you notes a week.

3. Don’t wait to show your appreciation. Do it now.

4. Do what you do for others without the expectation of appreciation. When you want something back that is not a gift but barter.

5. Send a special friend a surprise gift. (it doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s the thought that really counts.)

When you are appreciative, it makes other people feel like doing more for you, even though that was not your agenda. When you fail to show appreciation, it makes others feel like doing less or nothing for you.

I guarantee that someone in your life feels a word of appreciation would be in order. Can you guess who it might be? One way to ensure that people do not feel slighted by you is to develop an appreciative consciousness.

What have you got to lose. A simple thank you doesn’t cost anything and it can mean so much to people who have gone out of their way for you.

The feeling of being thankful and being appreciative wins relationships with people. It can be an easiest means of transforming strangers to your friends. The people can be magnetized by charisma of your personality which is because of this habit of yours. It is human nature that one savors his appreciations and praises and detests too much of gloating wins and toys of others. That does not imply that one should start flattering which is easily understood by the people and they might start disliking you for the same.

The thin line demarcation one must understand and be appreciative and grateful judiciously.

Continuous ringing of praises, appreciations and gratitude in one's ears charges or energizes him to strive hard for his goals and excellence. It is one of the greatest motivators of making people to do the task thereby fulfilling the requisites of good manager or a leader. By equipping oneself with this tool of being thankful and appreciative; one can resist and fight the battle of bitterness, hatred, jealousy, and hostility. Imbibing it into one's life one can cherish the delight of maintaining amiable relationship with colleagues, clients, friends and relatives. Thus it would unleash you to excel and establish a strong bond with the people in professional as well as personal lives consequential to inner happiness and solace.

"Win the world with the art of expressing gratitude"