If you ask most young people what they expect life after 60 to be like, they will probably use phrases like “winding down” or “preparing for retirement.” Nothing could be further from the truth!

Unless you are one of the lucky few that have been able to retire in luxury, the chances are you are busier now than you have ever been.

How to Stop Procrastinating So that You Can Get More from Life After 60

Staying organized is critical for us baby boomers for a number of reasons. On a practical level, if you are just turning 60, you probably have 20-30 more years to plan for. Getting organized and being proactive is essential to making sure that coming decades are filled with adventures, not worries. In addition, as you leave your career and set out on your own, it is essential that you learn how to manage your own time and set your own priorities.

Is Procrastination Hurting Your Self-Esteem?

On a psychological level, procrastination is a big self-esteem killer. It’s difficult to make big moves – like starting a business after 60 or getting in the best shape of your life – if you are unable to pay your bills on time or get your car fixed.

On the flip side, removing small items from your “to do” list can help you to build momentum and work up to bigger tasks. Here’s a technique that you can use to stop the small stuff from piling up.

Want to get the most from life after 60? Get organized, get passionate and get moving!

Get More Done in 15 Minutes a Day

Pick one day a week and schedule 15 minutes to work on small tasks. Create a list of chores that you have been putting off – paying bills, calling people back, tidying your home or getting your car fixed. Go through the list and write a “U” for “Urgent” next to the items that need to be done soon.

Now go through the list and add an “I” for “Important” next to the items that have the biggest consequences. Now go through the list and put time in your weekly schedule for all of the items that have a “U” and an “I” next to them. Finally, if you have space left in your schedule, set aside time to deal with any items that only have an “I” next to them.

As you get used to this technique, you may want to start using it to keep track of more important items like planning a trip or thinking about business ideas. But, even if you only use this process to keep your “to do” list organized, it will be well worth the trouble!

What techniques do you use to stay organized? What big plans do you have this year to improve your happiness, financial situation and friendships? Please join the discussion!

Here’s a short video that I recorded on the relationship between procrastination and self-esteem.