If procrastinating just delays the inevitable, why do we all do it? It’s not like the task is going to go away…AHA – unless you can confidently delegate it or eliminate it – then good for you! (Handy Tip #1)
The reasons for procrastinating are varied from person to person and from situation to situation.
Some common ones that many of us can identify with are:
1) Instant Gratification – smaller, easier tasks are, well, smaller & easier, so we are satisfied sooner
2) Easily Distracted – as in Shiny Object Syndrome
3) Perfectionism – try on a new mantra: progress not perfection (Handy Tip #2)
4) Waiting for Inspiration – because you’ll certainly feel more like doing it later (lol!)
5) Fear of the Unknown – what you don’t know won’t hurt you? Go check out that noise the car’s making!
6) Lack of Motivation – tired/stressed/emotionally drained?
7) Lack of Information – it’s surprising how much of the time it comes down to this, so ask yourself!
8) Fear of Failure – does that need explaining?
9) Fear of Success – really? Yes, do you really want more responsibility and possible resentment from others?
10) Defense Mechanisms – avoidance (you already know it’s hard), denial (of course you’ll get it done. Ha!)
One way to flex your “action” muscle is to read the daily postings we have set up to help https://www.facebook.com/pg/dawncady.mindsetcoach/posts/?ref=page_internal
Some other ways to get you over the hump include
* Start with something easy, so you build up confidence and momentum gradually…
* Start with something hard, in fact, the thing you don’t want to do the most – that’ll give you confidence, momentum, and inspiration in a flash!
* Figure out exactly what the problem is – lack of motivation, need more info, it’s not perfect?
* Use the “salami method” (I love this one, not sure who came up with it first): break down what you need to do into little slices (as in, you eat an elephant one bite at a time).
* Tell other people about what you are “going to do.” They will keep you honest, i.e. hold you accountable.
Overcoming procrastination is not always easy, especially if it is the result of deep-seated fear. If you feel like you could use a little help identifying the reasons that prevent you from being your best self, the Neural Alignment Method® http://go.dawncady.com/the-neural-alignment-method may be what you’re looking for.
But what if you are taking massive action and still aren’t satisfied with the results? Ask yourself:
Am I Taking the Right Action? Then keep an eye out for our next blog
