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Relief for
the Procrastination Blues
Contrary
to popular opinion, procrastination may not be a trait you
are particularly proud of, but it isn't always the villain
it's cracked up to be. Sure, along with procrastination
often comes a hefty dose of guilt and a case of the "shoulds,"
but if you take a look at what's behind procrastination,
you're likely to gain a deeper understanding of what is
really important to you, and why.
The
result of procrastination is virtually the same for
everyone: increased anxiety, wasted time, poor performance,
missed opportunities, guilt, excusing ourselves and avoiding
people who depend on us. And therein lies the problem. Each
of those negative emotions dominates our thoughts, crowding
out the opportunity to examine and create a compelling
meaning that inspires us to take action now, not later.
Getting
Bogged Down in Trivia
Who
hasn't found themselves spending time on tasks, which are
easy to do, just to say they are so busy they could not get
to the major project? Most people tell themselves, "I had to
do these things first before tackling that project," and
then found there was no time left. Sure, you might gain a
small measure of satisfaction by busying yourself with
distraction tasks such as answering phone calls, writing a
letter, surfing the Internet, answering emails, or having
lunch, but the respite from guilt is brief at best.
It isn't
procrastination that robs us of our time and energy, it's
the guilt and the nagging feeling that haunts us. Let's take
a look at how you can ease the grip of procrastination, let
go of the guilt, and create a sense of teamwork with
yourself.
What's
On Your Plate?
Procrastination is often a signal that there are too many
other things occupying your mind. It isn't that you don't
want to get a particular task accomplished, it's that there
simply isn't enough time. If this is true for you, then the
solution is clear. Take it off your immediate to-do list,
ask someone else to do it, or schedule it for a time that is
reasonable and realistic. The relief you'll feel will be
immediate.
The
"If-Then" Tango
It's
easy to blame others for something not being accomplished.
"If only I had gotten that promotion, then I would be more
involved in my job." "If only my husband would take out the
garbage, I would have time to do the things I need to do."
"If I had a faster computer I would find more enjoyment in
sitting down to write the report." When someone selectively
focuses on one reason, they are attempting to shift the
responsibility for their life to someone, or something,
else. In the end, owning that we are the architects of our
life is both empowering and motivating. If you find yourself
doing the "If -then" tango, use it as a hint to put control
back into your hands. Ask yourself, "What action can I take
to move towards what I want?"
What If
You're Just Not In The Mood?
At times
we are all faced with tasks that are just plain unpleasant.
It may be having an uncomfortable conversation, facing a
difficult decision, or taking care of a task, we do not feel
competent in doing. It is easy to put off what we know is
not going to be a picnic. Unfortunately, the reason for the
task rarely disappears. It continues to lurk at the back of
our mind. Before we know it, the task seems to follow us
like a ten-ton elephant on our heels.
So what
do you do? It is simple really: First turn your attention
away from how unpleasant you think the situation is going to
be, and the negative mind-chatter that has kept you
immobilized. Now start asking yourself questions that will
support you in seeing the value of taking action. Good
questions to use are:
"What is true for me in this situation?"
"By taking action, what will I gain?"
"How will I feel once I've taken action?"
Finally,
ask yourself, "I'm willing to take action by __________"
Write this sentence down, filling in the date. You will be
surprised at how the previous discomfort melts away and is
replaced with confidence and motivation.
Why Wait
To Celebrate?
Reward
and celebration are powerful, compelling motivators. The
problem is, we do not get enough of them. Do not wait to
celebrate. Pat yourself on the back, take a break, even say
"Good job!" aloud at each step you complete. Here is a novel
and energizing concept: Reward yourself for the effort, not
the result.
So what
are you waiting for? Isn't there something that has been
waiting for your attention? Take action now, reward yourself
for the effort, and enjoy the surge of energy you feel!
At a
glance....
Procrastination is not a demon, just a signal that a task
does not fit with our sense of priorities, control, skills,
or comfort level. Here are four ways to get unstuck and
start moving!
1.
Break the task down into smaller pieces. Take some time
to break your task down into sub-tasks and start on those.
This eliminates that “being overwhelmed” feeling.
2.
Take a stand. Tell a friend or your coach that you plan
to finish a job by a certain date. Make your project a
public endeavor rather than keeping it to yourself. It helps
to gain the support of others when you feel stymied.
3.
Just get started. You do not have to wait until you feel
inspired to write that speech. Just write whatever comes to
mind, and you can revise it later. A journey begins with one
small step.
4.
Look at all you have accomplished. Rather than punishing
yourself for not having done enough, take the more positive
approach of examining all that you have done. Do not let the
fact that your "to-do" list may be longer than your "I did
it" list stop you from celebrating what you have
accomplished so far.
If time
management and procrastination are problems that you
struggle with consistently, then seek the help of someone
who can help you get organized and provide a system and
solution to help you overcome this issue.
For more
information, Contact Personnelity. |
