We’ve all done it at some time or other. We put off our exercise routine until tomorrow; we continually delay finishing that project or starting that business.
Procrastination is the mother of all demons and can literally stop you in your tracks from achieving all that you desire.
Here are 4 effective processes you can use to slay this giant.
1. Do it now
Hold your breath and jump right in! Putting things off until the last minute is a bad habit and like all habits is ingrained in our subconscious mind and hard to break. It feels like the normal thing to do and we simply continue along our path.
To complete a task straight away may feel strange or like a forced action, but it will feel good when it’s done.
2. Take baby steps
Sometimes we procrastinate because the task may be intimidating or scary to us. Perhaps we have no possible inkling about where to start. In these cases, it is fine to take it one step at a time.
Say you are preparing a business plan and for the 5th time this week, you’ve turned on the PC and just looked at the blank screen. Or you’ve just remembered you need to do some more research before you begin…you’re still not ready. You simply need to break down the project into smaller pieces and tackle each bit separately.
Make each task an individual project and after completion of each one, celebrate and acknowledge your achievement.
3. Forget it
Why force the issue? If you have been ‘dragging your feet’ on something for a very long time, it may all be for the best. Perhaps you never really wanted to do it in the first place.
Think about what it is that you have been putting off again and again and again.
What are the reasons that you need to complete this task or action?
Does someone want you to do this?
What is THEIR agenda?
What are YOUR reasons for this lengthy delay?
If you need to say something important to someone, but you are afraid of their reaction, you may need help or courage to get through it – see point number 4 below.
Sometimes when we put off doing something, it can end up sorting itself out all by itself, for better or for worse.
However, disregarding a project or action after a long period of procrastination is usually a last resort and may bring about feelings of disappointment and regret.
4. Support team
Do you put off tasks because you feel that they are too big and complex for you to handle alone? Or because you need assistance? Be honest with yourself. “No man is an island”.
Ask for help! There are many resources out there that can provide you with all you need to carry out your job. If you’re a solo-professional and you put off answering emails, then don’t answer them yourself. Hire an assistant, find some college students that want experience or get a family member to help.
Procrastinating on life changing activities could be a result of fear of the unknown. Find a mentor, coach or join a support group. You don’t have to do it all by yourself.
In summary, help yourself to overcome your procrastination by finding new ways to approach things or by getting help.
There are always more solutions out there once you are open to finding them.