Get out the way. Get out the way *Cue Ludacris*
But seriously, procrastination is that shadow that follows you around and whispers, just take another break, do that other thing, you have time to get to it later.
When really, you may have time to "get to it later" but once later comes along the motivation to complete that task is even lower than it was before.
Beating procrastination actually requires some sort of self-discovery, because you have to constantly ask yourself, why?
Naturally, motivation is linked to procrastination so, why are you unmotivated? The answer to the question, believe it or not, will result in a completed task or an epiphany as to why X was never completed.
Basically, your body is telling you something! But first, before you even ask yourself anything, get organized.
Grab (or buy, create) a calendar or agenda and write down everything you have to do and everything you want to do.
Prioritize your have to's and your want to's in separate lists. Make this book your go-to for task creating and completing.
Nothing feels better than crossing something off a list... *winks*
For my creatives, find a journal (or create a journal) of your goals and tasks related to your projects. Each project gets its own journal. Take them with you everywhere you go and prioritize your desires.
After you have your go-to journals (or phones work too), maker sure each goal is attainable. So, give yourself adequate time to complete your tasks and hold yourself, accountable.
* * *
I always say that procrastination is really my body telling me that it finds what I need to do, either one of three things:
Boring. Sometimes what we need to do is just like well SO adult-y. So boring. So time-consuming—so let's just not do it?
Challenging. Sometimes the task makes you consistently ask yourself "Can I even do this?" #selfdoubt
Unnecessary. Sometimes the task actually seems like it's throwing away your time... and will amount to absolutely nothing. (I shall gain nothing from this!)
When in reality this is all untrue OR can be remedied.
When things are boring—oh so boring
—make it fun. Yes, it's easier than it sounds but truly if you take a small amount of your time to make that task feel more inviting, then I promise you, it'll add at least 3 more points to your happiness scale.
You can do things like...
Give yourself an award after completing a task (after I finish this, I can eat 8 candy bars).
Eat while completing the task, do the task with a friend or loved one (as there is a pandemic, call or FaceTime, Zoom, a friend or loved one while completing the task).
Listen to music while completing your goal.
See how fast you can complete the task (make it a game, if it doesn't jeopardize the quality of completing it).
Understand how the task can positively affect or provide a neutral atmosphere after completing it.
And, if you can't make it fun or at least somewhat enjoyable...Then do this task first with its boring-ness and all. The most boring (or challenging) task is the one you get out of the way first, so you can enjoy the rest of your day.
Remember, pushing it off is only going to add more stress.
That scary thing that you have to do, but you just 'don wanna do'
This requires a heart to heart with yourself. Ask yourself a few questions, like...
Why do I find this task challenging and is it really impossible to complete?
Are my goals reliable and measurable?
Am I putting too much pressure on myself?
Am I just saying it's challenging to give myself an excuse not to do it?
Do I need to ask for help?
If someone else I admire needed to do the same thing I have to do now, would I doubt them as much as I doubt myself in completing this task?
Am I afraid of my success? (The last two always get me..)
That "unnecessary" thing...
Op, yup. Another heart to heart. Sometimes a task may feel unnecessary because it doesn't give you instant gratification.
I mean, all of these reasons above don't give you instant gratification and this is why we are here, talking about procrastination.
In order to complete a HUGE goal or complete a very small task, you have to put in some kind of effort.
Yes, some tasks require more than others, but if you want to get something done, guess what? The genie from the lamp will not come so you can wish it done you have to do.
So, ask yourself...
Is this task actually unimportant or does it just feel this way?
If I complete this task, how can it change my future in a positive or neutral way? (Ex: If I complete this grocery list now I can go shopping and cook a healthier meal. If I call my X place now, I will know the truth about Y. If I talk to my friend/partner/spouse about what happened, I will know how to move forward. If I exercise now, I will feel better later.)
Do I have other priorities right now?
Did I put too much on my plate?
If you are an empathetic and sensitive individual, some additional questions you can ask yourself are, am I taking on something that is not mine? Is this task actually my responsibility?
Feeling others' feelings isn't a bad thing, especially in this world today. However, feeling it all and trying to fix everything, is the problem. Your feelings, experiences, and responsibilities are of your concern first.
After you tend to the matters of your own heart, mind, spirit, and body. Then you will be full of enough self-love to then, have space for helping others with their tasks (not taking on others' tasks).
As the quote goes...
"Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it."
— M. Scott Peck
And so, it all boils down to self-respect. Choosing yourself. Holding yourself accountable. Seeing your time as invaluable space to create, do, and be things as you choose; to see your time as precious enough to propel your future in the direction you so wish it to be.
Invest in yourself.
Love,
Comments