HELP ME STOP PROCASTINATING!
Yes, I admit it, I tend to procrastinate – but I’ve decided to invite all fellow would be procrastinators to join me in my quest to reduce my procrastination and get going! However, I decided this last week and have just gotten round to writing this article……well, better late than never.
In this age of 24/7 living (or working!), there appears to be no time for just sitting around; lulling, relaxing, contemplating……this culture calls this laziness!! Now don’t get me wrong serious procrastination can lead to serious consequences, loss of job (when that deadline was just missed too many times), loss of purpose and empowerment leaving those bills to pile up. On a smaller scale the pile of dishes that can wait until tomorrow, lunch money for the kids that gets handed in at the end of the week and the vegetable garden which will give me fresh lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, carrots etc etc THIS year.
So why do we do it and how can we reduce it?
* Unsure of your goal and how to reach it – sometimes we can’t see the wood for the trees – what exactly do you want to achieve?
* The goals appear overwhelming – break each goal (no matter small or big) into 15 minute chunks. You’ll be surprised at how much you achieve – your mind will become clear, task less daunting AND half an hour will go past without you realising it!
* Fear of failure – or even worse succeeding! You are good enough and worthwhile enough regardless of whether you fail or succeed. Failure means we have more to learn……fear of success means you think you are unworthy of success. You are worthwhile! Fear of success can stem from childhood. Were you told you must always do better as a child. This can lead to adult fears of success. Now is the time to start DOING, not THINKING ABOUT DOING!
* The need to be perfect – this may seem strange when you are putting off going for that job, paying your taxes or clearing your clutter. But to procrastinators there is the need to do it perfectly or not do it all. Everything is black and white, no room for grey areas. But us humans are fallible. We learn by making mistakes; its what makes us human. So give yourself a break. DOING IS BETTER THAN NOT DOING AT ALL.
* Can’t make decisions – try the first one and if that does not work try again – BETTER TO TRY THAN NOT TRY AT ALL.
* Perception of time – we all know what clock time is. However, procrastinators tend to under estimate real time. Give yourself more time to finish tasks. Again, break down into 15 minute chunks. Notice what you can achieve.
* Easily distracted – you decide to accomplish a task but find your mind wanders on to other things. Focus on one thing until it is complete (or 15 minutes is up). Pull yourself back when you notice being drawn to other things.
* Feelings of sadness/depression – allow yourself time for you. Walking increases feel good neurotransmitters. Spend a half hour reading, taking your mind away from thinking about what you have not done. Walking focuses your mind on the here and now. You then feel fresh, revitalised and ready to re focus on your goals.
* Feeling overwhelmed at all your tasks – ask for help. You are fallible and allowed to ask for help. Prioritise and ask colleagues, friends and family to help with home life and work.
* Staying within your comfort zone – you stay with what you know because it’s easier than branching out – this can be the root of the procrastination problem. Build new bricks slowly and get that confidence and self esteem back – you deserve it!!
Laura Mitchell is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist. She has had success with her clients in building confidence, self esteem and following your dreams. If you would like more information on procrastination or other free techniques and advice, check her website at: www.alternativeyou.co.uk