Some definitions of the word “tack” in The Free Dictionary are:

1. “The act of changing from one position or direction to another.”
2. “A course of action meant to minimize opposition to the attainment of a goal.”

The phrase “to change tacks” refers to the action needed to alter the approach when change is needed, e.g. when the wind changes on a sailing trip.  When used as an idiom, the phrase means to start using a different method to deal with a situation.

I think it is important for Procrastinators to keep the idea of changing tacks in mind.  I think Procrastination begins, sometimes, with a problem with changing tacks.   We do and plan things in a certain way, then hit a roadblock or conflict.  Then we decide rather than change tacks and move forward, we'd rather stand still or even move backwards for a bit.  We refuse to drop the option that has stopped working for us.  Don't be afraid to change tacks.  When you hit a rough patch in your work or your progress, allow yourself to change it up.  Just because you have become good at one way of doing things, doesn't mean you can't get good at another.  The general goal while working is consistent, forward movement, and it's good to remember that it can happen in any number of ways.

I like the second definition of “tack” listed above, because it gets to the heart of the matter.  We can choose to alter our approach in order to “minimize opposition to the attainment of a goal.”  When we resist changing our approach, we ourselves become the opposition, and it becomes harder and harder as time passes to extract ourselves from our stuck position.  I guess it would be akin to dropping anchor in the middle of the sea.  Nope, sorry Honey, we're going nowhere.  Resist dropping anchor when you are trying to make progress.  Keep your eyes open for new possibilities for getting past your resistance to moving forward instead.  Here's to smooth sailing for you.

What projects have you in a rut currently?  How can you get yourself to set sail again?