The Nike JUST DO IT! slogan sounds so simple and yet, we all have at some point found ourselves putting off doing the very things we think we should be doing to be more successful.
People usually think their procrastination is a matter of lack of self-discipline. If you procrastinate about everything, self discipline might be the problem, but, more likely, you are selective in the things that you put off. It pays to dig deeper into the underlying reasons why you are putting those important things off. Consider that maybe there is some other dynamic you haven’t been conscious of and you aren’t just a lazy no-good after all.
The next time you are procrastinating, ask yourself these questions: What’s the best thing that can happen if I do this? What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t? These two questions will give you a clear awareness of the cost of procrastinating. That may be enough.
If so, get on with it, because you are draining your energy by putting it off and more by feeling guilty about it. That is energy you could be using to make you successful. So, get over it and get on with it.
Ask yourself, am I overwhelmed and don’t know where to start on this project, or don’t have the time to complete it? Sometimes the issue is not having enough time to complete a big project… so you keep putting it off.
If so, try using the Swiss cheese method of breaking the project down into smaller components and then scheduling time to work on just these. Make a list of all the actions that need to be taken.
Take each of the items and give it a “by when” date. You’ll now have just one item to take action on at a time and it will be manageable and go forward in small steps. To help you move swiftly through your to-do list of items you must also minimize interruptions and conquer perfectionism. To minimize interruptions, set aside the first hour of the morning to move forward with your “non-urgent but important” items.
Perfectionism, while seeming good because of the high standards it would project, can stop you in you tracks. Go for excellent, not perfect. Is what I am procrastinating about out of alignment with my style or values? Perhaps this really is the first question to ask yourself. The source of procrastination in over 70 percent of the people is because they are trying to make themselves do something they think (or someone has told them) they should do, but it feels uncomfortable to them.
This is not the normal fear that shows up in the pit of our stomachs when we are taking big actions and we’re scared of failing. This is a feeling that this action is not fitting your style or values. If you authentically believe the action you think you should be taking is obnoxious or something you wouldn’t feel comfortable with, it is perfectly normal to hesitate. You won’t come across as authentic anyway. It is a matter of integrity.
Knowing your own style and the ways to be true to your style can be astoundingly impactful. When you stop trying to be someone you aren’t and start being yourself, people are naturally attracted to you because they don’t feel they are part of some manipulation. When you are true to your own set of values, you have the keys to motivate yourself naturally and you don’t have to push yourself to take action. You are actually pulled into action because you are excited about what you are doing and the value you are offering.
Sometimes a situation will change for the better or facts will be revealed that fundamentally alter what the best course of action would be. To listen too and honor your inner self takes quieting the external chatter and trusting your internal guidance. Sometimes, there doesn’t seem to be any logical reason, but there is a body sensation of feeling that moving ahead isn’t right. Learn to trust this feeling. Your body doesn’t lie to you. Usually some serendipitous event will allow you to see that waiting did have a purpose. Or maybe you just need some time to align with yourself, some time to rejuvenate and get re-inspired.
The worst thing you can do is to use your procrastination as a reason to indulge in negative self-talk. Take action, trust in the waiting or let it go, but don’t beat yourself up. If you need to get some support from others, do that, whether it means hiring a coach or asking someone else to be your accountability partner.
Buying a home, especially your first home, is a daunting prospect for most of us. The fear of entering into such a huge and lengthy financial commitment can leave us feeling extremely anxious and potentially even “roped-in”. The approach you take, however, should be no different than with any other project you take on – always do some research first. Knowing the ins and outs gives you a much greater sense of being in control, after all.
————————————————————————————————————–
Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information - 416-388-1960
————————————————————————————————————–