What's On Your Plate?
Procrastination is often a signal that there are too many
other things occupying your mind. It isn't that you don't
want to get a particular task accomplished, it's that
there simply isn't enough time. If this is true for you,
then the solution is clear. Take it off your immediate
to-do list, ask someone else to do it, or schedule it for
a time that is reasonable and realistic. The relief you'll
feel will be immediate.
The "If-Then" Tango
It's easy
to blame others for something not being accomplished. "If
only I had gotten that promotion, then I would be more
involved in my job." "If only my husband would take out
the garbage, I would have time to do the things I need to
do." "If I had a faster computer I would find more
enjoyment in sitting down to write the report." When
someone selectively focuses on one reason, they're making
an attempt to shift the responsibility for their life to
someone, or something, else. In the long run, owning that
we are the architects of our life is both empowering and
motivating. If you find yourself doing the "If -then"
tango, use it as a hint to put control back into your
hands. Ask yourself, "What action can I take to move
towards what I want?"
What If You're Just Not
In The Mood?
At times
we're all faced with tasks that are just plain unpleasant.
It may be having an uncomfortable conversation, facing a
difficult decision, or taking care of a task we don't feel
competent in doing. It's easy to put off what we know
isn't going to be a picnic. Unfortunately, the reason for
the task rarely disappears. It continues to lurk at the
back of our mind. Before we know it, the task seems to
follow us like a ten-ton elephant on our heels.
So what do you do? It's simple really: First turn your
attention away from how unpleasant you think the situation
is going to be, and the negative mind-chatter that has
kept you immobilized. Now start asking yourself questions
that will support you in seeing the value of taking
action. Good questions to use are:
"What is true for me in this situation?"
"By taking action, what will I gain?"
"How will I feel once I've taken action?"
Finally, ask yourself, "I'm willing to take action by
__________" Write this sentence down, filling in the date.
You'll be surprised at how the previous discomfort melts
away and is replaced with confidence and motivation.
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Why Wait To Celebrate?
Reward
and celebration are powerful, compelling motivators. The
problem is, we don't get enough of them. Don't wait to
celebrate. Pat yourself on the back, take a break, even
say "Good job!" out loud at each step you complete.
Here's a novel and energizing concept: Reward yourself
for the effort, not the result.
So what are you waiting for? Isn't there something that
has been waiting for your attention? Take action now,
reward yourself for the effort, and enjoy the surge of
energy you feel!
At A
Glance....
Procrastination isn't a
demon, just a signal that a task doesn't
fit with our sense of priorities, control,
skills, or comfort level. Here are 4 ways
to get unstuck and start moving!
1. Break
the task down into smaller pieces.
2. Take
a stand.
Tell a friend or your coach that you plan
to finish a job by a certain date. Make
your project a public endeavor rather than
keeping it to yourself. It helps to gain
the support of others when you feel
stymied.
3. Just
get started.
You don't have to wait until you feel
inspired to write that speech. Just write
whatever comes to mind, and you can revise
it later. A journey begins with one small
step.
4. Look
at all you have accomplished.
Rather than punishing yourself for not
having done enough, take the more positive
approach of examining all that you have
done. Don't let the fact that your "to-do"
list may be longer than your "I did it"
list stop you from celebrating what you've
accomplished so far.
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