Procrastination

PROCRASTINATION

Procrastination, the action of delaying or postponing something, is a thing we can all be guilty of.  And it’s so easy to do.  We set out to complete a task, only to find ourselves, an hour later, in the depths of a YouTube hole, with no clue of how we got there.  It can even trick us into thinking that what we’re doing is vital.  But did we need to organise our desk just so, before proceeding with that big, intimidating project?  No joke, I did a full spring clean before settling down to write this article.

Procrastination is the thief of time.  And time is precious.  And money.  And heals all wounds.  Basically, time is important, so let’s use it effectively.  How, you ask?  Well…

What value would you personally get by completing the activity or achieving the goal?

Simply put, what’s in it for you?  Is it creative fulfilment?  Financial reward?  Stress relief?  Would it make a good impression?  Lead to more opportunity?  What ever your reason, make sure it’s clear.  Then use that as your motivation and inspiration.  Keep it fixed in your mind’s eye.  Say it out loud.  Write it down.  And if you falter, you’ll have something to return to that keeps you on track.

TOP TIP: Ensure your goals are linked to your mission.

Isn’t that a bit overwhelming? 

Making a definitive decision about what you want in your life or your career can be scary.  Most of the time, we procrastinate because the prospect of “even just starting” feels huge…the end goal can seem too far away…and what if we fail?

Breathe.  

What is the smallest step you could take to make successful progress towards your goal?

Break it down.  It doesn’t have to all happen right now.  Remember, any progession towards worthwhile goals, no matter how small, is a victory.  And it’s the little victories that keep us going.  So celebrate them.

Procrastination as a coping mechanism

For some of us, avoiding an unpleasant task for something a little more uplifting is a neccesity.  But there is a fine line between self care and self sabotage, and getting into a procrastination shame spiral is only going to make things worse, because, news flash: the task you’re putting off isn’t going away.

It’s important, then, to acknowledge what you are doing and to not beat yourself up about it.  The world is big and relentless, so, without indulging, cut yourself a break.  You’re already procrastinating, so you might as well enjoy it and do it guilt-free.  

Then… 

Begin.  Make a start.  You don’t have to do it all at once or finish it right away, but starting is a darn sight closer to finishing than avoidance, and it’s way easier to be in the process of doing something than it is to exist in the space before.  So whether it be picking up the phone, putting pen to paper, or simply getting up in the morning…get started. 

REMEMBER: it’s still a win!

Enjoyed this article?  Want to read more?  Check out O&B’s thoughts and tips on “Interruptions” HERE

PROCRASTINATION

Procrastination, the action of delaying or postponing something, is a thing we can all be guilty of.  And it’s so easy to do.  We set out to complete a task, only to find ourselves, an hour later, in the depths of a YouTube hole, with no clue of how we got there.  It can even trick us into thinking that what we’re doing is vital.  But did we need to organise our desk just so, before proceeding with that big, intimidating project?  No joke, I did a full spring clean before settling down to write this article.

Procrastination is the thief of time.  And time is precious.  And money.  And heals all wounds.  Basically, time is important, so let’s use it effectively.  How, you ask?  Well…

What value would you personally get by completing the activity or achieving the goal?

Simply put, what’s in it for you?  Is it creative fulfilment?  Financial reward?  Stress relief?  Would it make a good impression?  Lead to more opportunity?  What ever your reason, make sure it’s clear.  Then use that as your motivation and inspiration.  Keep it fixed in your mind’s eye.  Say it out loud.  Write it down.  And if you falter, you’ll have something to return to that keeps you on track.

TOP TIP: Ensure your goals are linked to your mission.

Isn’t that a bit overwhelming? 

Making a definitive decision about what you want in your life or your career can be scary.  Most of the time, we procrastinate because the prospect of “even just starting” feels huge…the end goal can seem too far away…and what if we fail?

Breathe.  

What is the smallest step you could take to make successful progress towards your goal?

Break it down.  It doesn’t have to all happen right now.  Remember, any progession towards worthwhile goals, no matter how small, is a victory.  And it’s the little victories that keep us going.  So celebrate them.

Procrastination as a coping mechanism

For some of us, avoiding an unpleasant task for something a little more uplifting is a neccesity.  But there is a fine line between self care and self sabotage, and getting into a procrastination shame spiral is only going to make things worse, because, news flash: the task you’re putting off isn’t going away.

It’s important, then, to acknowledge what you are doing and to not beat yourself up about it.  The world is big and relentless, so, without indulging, cut yourself a break.  You’re already procrastinating, so you might as well enjoy it and do it guilt-free.  

Then… 

Begin.  Make a start.  You don’t have to do it all at once or finish it right away, but starting is a darn sight closer to finishing than avoidance, and it’s way easier to be in the process of doing something than it is to exist in the space before.  So whether it be picking up the phone, putting pen to paper, or simply getting up in the morning…get started. 

REMEMBER: it’s still a win!

Enjoyed this article?  Want to read more?  Check out O&B’s thoughts and tips on “Interruptions” HERE

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