Procrastination is not my friend

Recently I have found myself purposefully finding something else to do instead of the thing I said I would.

“Oh but it really needs to be done, that can wait.”This is definitely more important.

“Oh I haven’t been taking care of myself properly so I should definitely take a bath instead of writing that blog post or sending that email.“

We’ve all done it at some time or another, haven’t we?

We put off our exercise routine until tomorrow, or next Monday; we delay finishing that project or starting that business, or making that phone call.

Procrastination really can be mother of all hell and can truly stop you in your tracks from achieving all that you say you want to achieve.

So to help you with this foe of ours I am sharing 4 processes you can use to slay this procrastination monster away:

1.Do it now

Haha of course this is number 1. I mean what else can you do but just do it?

Hold your breath and jump right in! Stop putting things off until the last minute as it is a bad habit and like all habits it is ingrained in our subconscious mind and can be hard to break. It starts to feel 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 if you are a seasoned procrastinator like I can be

2. Take baby steps

This is the one I choose most times. A to-do list can be very handy.

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. If you are preparing a business plan and for the 5th time this week, you’ve turned on the computer and looked at the blank screen then breaking it down into more palatable chunks can be very helpful.

You simply need to break down the project into smaller pieces and tackle each bit separately. Make each task an individual project and after completion of each one, celebrate and acknowledge your achievement, because celebrations and gratitude always make us feel better.

3.Forget about it

Why force the issue? If you have been ‘dragging your feet’ on something for a very long time, it may all be for a reason. Something, somewhere is trying to tell you that maybe this isn’t for you. That something is your intuition and it is usually right!

Think about something that you have been putting off again and again and again.

What are the reasons that you need to complete this task in the first place? Does someone want you to do this? What is THEIR agenda? What are YOUR reasons for putting off completion? I find it amazing that a lot of the time I put off doing something, I am thankful that I did! Disregarding a project after a long period of procrastination is however usually a last resort.

4. Have a 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.

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-prenuer and you put off answering emails because you don’t enjoy them then don’t answer them yourself. Hire an assistant, this could be a family member, a student, or someone you find online.

Procrastinating on life changing activities could be a result of fear of the unknown.

So you could get a mastermind group together, find a mentor, join a support group to help.

You don’t have to do it all by yourself. Just ensure that to kick this habit; you do what feels good to you.

Now, let’s stop procrastinating.

Xo S