We’ve all done it at some time or other. We put off things we are supposed to have done. We continually delay finishing that project or starting that business, or simply doing things looking after ourselves. We become lazy and the more we are stuck in that rut, the more effort it takes to get out of it, hence why procrastination can literally stop you in your tracks from achieving all that you desire.
Not always easy, but deliberate decisions must be made in order to use the following four processes changing the habit of procrastination.
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 immediately may even feel strange or like a forced action.
2. Take baby steps
Sometimes we procrastinate because the task may be intimidating to us. Perhaps we have no possible inkling on where to start. In these cases, it is quite fine to take it one step at a time. For any huge task or project that needs to be completed, finding yourself trying to start somewhere actually simply means that the task or project needs to be broken down into smaller pieces. Take those tasks or projects and plan them out allowing yourself to complete one at a time in smaller bites. After each completion, stand back and look at what you have achieved and acknowledge that to yourself as this is a great motivator for the next task or project at hand.
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. It might just be that attention needs to be given to your intuition, that it might not be yours to do or complete. A good way to figure this out is to ask yourself some questions for example, what is the reason you are delaying completing the task? What are your motives for completing the task? Within communicating to yourself and asking questions you might just be surprised at your own agenda.
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, or get a family member to help. Procrastinating on life-changing activities could be a result of fear of the unknown. Get a mastermind group together, find a mentor, join a support group. You don’t have to do it all by yourself. Just ensure that to kick this habit; you do what feels good to you in whatever method you choose. You’ll surely postpone procrastination for a very long time.