We could have a whole theoretical conversation about why we procrastinate, how our brain works, the role of our subconscious…
Today, let’s just be practical and do something right now about that thing you keep on putting off.
Here are a few simple steps to get you going.
As usual, just thinking about the answers won’t really be enough. You need to write down your answers to truly benefit from them.
- So, take your pick: what is one thing you’ve been putting off starting or putting off finishing that you keep thinking about? What is that one thing that brings that constant hassling thought: “I should really get on with this”?
Take a moment to write it down.
2. What do you do that is unimportant to avoid doing that task?
What do you do that makes you feel like you’ve “done something” which in the end had nothing to do with what was really important?
List all the things that come to mind.
3. What excuses do you tell yourself?
Do you ”need to sort your files/clean your desk/call x… before you can do…”? Or do you tell yourself “I’ll work better on this tonight”; or “I need to review my planning first”…?
Write down the keywords or sentences.
4. Comparing your answer from steps 2 and 3 with the task you chose in step 1, how important are these tasks? Do they really need to get done now? Are the delays really essential? Really?
Yes, you guessed it… write your answers down.
If you want to take it one step further, rank them in order of importance to really become aware of their actual importance.
Of course, you already knew all this; but there is a difference between knowing and acknowledging if you want to make a change.
5. If you do end up doing something else first, then make it a deliberate choice.
Make it a conscience thought that yes, you are now choosing to do this other thing, for a period of time you deliberately choose for.
Now, this might be enough to get you started. However, there is often something that still holds us back.
6. When you think about actually getting on with the task you chose in step 1, what are you concerned about? What negative words come to mind, what negative thoughts pop up?
Take a few of minutes to write down what really concerns you.
7. Now think about the last time you felt these concerns and really procrastinated about something that you did finally end up doing it.
Write down what it was and how you felt about it while you were procrastinating.
8. How did you feel once this task was actually taken care of?
Was it as terrible to do as you imagined it? Did you survive it?
Write down your answer.
9. What insights did you gain from doing this?
Write down your insights.
And more importantly….
Write down the day and time you are choosing (right now if possible!) to tackle your chosen task!
10. Are you still concerned you can’t trust yourself to get on with it?
Tell a friend or someone you trust that you must get the thing you are procrastinating about done by a certain day/time and ask them if they would be ok to hold you accountable for it.
Then decide how you want to let them know when it is done.
There is nothing like outside pressure!
There is of course much more to talk about in how to deal with procrastination, but hopefully this will get you unstuck.
Do let me know how you go!
If you want to know more about this and what you can do about it, please don’t hesitate to contact me.