A Tool for Overcoming Procrastination
July 31st, 2008
WORD COUNT: 603 Brief … Yet Progressive Words
TIME to MOVE FORWARD: * About 2 1/2 MINUTES *
Do you think there’s anyone on the planet … over the age of 12, who has never, ever … put off until tomorrow, what he could have accomplished today? Does anyone you know fall into this category?
It’s probably safe to say that almost everyone has procrastinated at least once. This is the stuff that really could get done today, but doesn’t.
The more we put things off, the more overwhelmed we become, and the longer it takes to arrive at our desired destination. If procrastination becomes a life-long habit, we may never realize our greatest goals and dreams.
For delayed action is lost opportunity.
Procrastination isn’t always obvious, because it often takes the form of “emergencies” or other “priorities”. But most of the time, when we honestly look at our choices, we realize that our delays are more about wanting to stay in that cozy place we call our comfort zone.
It’s also helpful to recognize that we wouldn’t procrastinate, if we weren’t getting something out of it. Maybe it helps us feel better temporarily, or there’s part of us that would really rather hit the snooze…just one more time.
Yet when we become aware of the bigger impact of a choice to procrastinate, we can identify effective ways to overcome that habit, so we can move positively forward.
If you’re ready to release the delays and make real progress, try this exercise.
8 STEPS FOR OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION
1) Write down an important activity that you’ve been avoiding. Choose something that will help you make progress toward an important goal.
2) Write down 3 reasons why you’re procrastinating. Dig deeper than “I’m just too busy”, because that’s really just an excuse. If you want to dissolve an obstacle, you need to be willing to look it squarely in the eye. Awareness is the only way to overcome procrastination.
3) Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths. Then review your reasons for procrastinating. Common motives include, “I’m afraid of failing, I feel overwhelmed, or I need the pressure of a tight deadline to take action”. Is there anything you want to add?
4) Now think about the impact of your decision to avoid this particular action. Is this helping you, or hurting you in the long run? Is the momentary relief you get from procrastinating just adding more stress, because now you have something you have to do
faster, later?
5) Visualize what would happen if you no longer delayed constructive action. How does this improve your life? Do consistent steps forward help you create more wealth, reduce stress, have more time for play, or take more family vacations? Give yourself the time necessary to fully appreciate the impact of your decisions. This step helps you identify compelling reasons to say NO to procrastination and YES to your dreams and goals.
6) Now write down WHAT you will DO and WHEN you will do it to shed the delays, and move forward. The earliest date possible is your best choice!
7) Then take that action on or before your target completion date. If you’re tempted to procrastinate, remember the impact of that choice. Ask yourself, how does this impact my goal or dream if I delay yet again? Does this action improve the likelihood of positive progress, or continue to undermine me? Is this really what I want to do?
Commit to your dreams! Focus on all of the finest moments, toys and treasures that life has to offer, rather than any temporary discomfort. Before long, you’ll be right where you want to be!
Your friend and partner in compelling choices,
Copyright© Laura Cardone 2008. All Rights Reserved. This is a Daily Discovery Series edition. http://www.profitswithpurpose.com is for enlightened business owners and professionals who are passionate about creating a successful business, AND a fulfilling and balanced life.
