Stop the Procrastination Con Game & Get Results
Posted: Tuesday, October 12, 2010
by Beth Tabak
Starting Now
"We went to lunch and were talking about procrastination and the waitress overheard us and she said, "I have a problem with procrastination, too." I said, "Really?... Get my sandwich." Ellen DeGeneres
The above quote reveals action as the way out of procrastination. Ellen DeGeneres is right on! Except when Ellen is not in our homes or offices to get us on the move, what is the solution to stop the con artist who says we can wait until a better time to get the job done? Below are 4 steps to end the con game and get results.
Step 2- Cause- Get behind the con artist to the cause. What is the real issue here? When your car doesn't start you get to the source of the problem. When you find the cause you can create a plan to resolve the problem. What is holding you back? It may be a lack of interest, a large overwhelming project, fear, indecision, or one of the others listed below. Be brutally honest with yourself. What is causing the con artist to come forth?
Step 3- Take Action to Resolve- Based on the cause choose a strategy that feels good. It may mean taking new actions or developing new habits to get new results. Set up the solution in a way to create a win. Here are some possible sources and solutions to get your ideas flowing:
An Unpleasant Task or Lack of Interest- Schedule it at the start of the day so it is not hanging over you all day long. Focus on how great you will feel when it is behind you. Plan to reward yourself.
Someone Else's Goal- Set a boundary. Say no or accept only a part of the job that you can do. If it is an employment situation consider following the solution above for an unpleasant task.
A Large Overwhelming Project- Break the project into small manageable tasks, a great solution for decluttering or organizing! Can you delegate any portion? Begin with what you know you can do. Get started with a small step. Keep a victory log, writing down each completion, to build confidence and feel good in what you are accomplishing. Allow it to motivate you forward until you are ready to be able to visualize reaching the end.
Lack of Focus Due to Multiple Projects- Use a binder. Set up sections for each project. Prioritize the projects. In each section list what you need for the project (supplies) and the action steps you need to take. At the front of the binder, write down the first three steps to take on each project. Focus on completion of one project at a time if possible. Block time for each project if needed. Begin. Choose three more actions when needed.
Fear- What is it telling you? Is it valid? Drop negative perceptions. Focus on what you will gain. Affirmations and visualization can help. Sometimes it helps to let go of the end result and only focus on how great you will feel for standing up to fear, one of the best highs. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
Poor Time Management- Schedule a block of time daily or weekly to work only on this project. Keep the appointments. Begin with small blocks of time you will commit to until you are consistently keeping the appointments (even if just 15 or 20 minutes at first). Then consider committing more time.
Indecision- When you don't know what to do set a deadline to make up your mind. Then get whatever support and information you need to be able to make an educated decision.
Step 4- Focus on Results- The Wright Brothers imagined flying a plane. Allow your goal to motivate you to move step by step towards it. Results may not only be about what you achieve but also about who you become. Know that you will grow and develop through experience: skills, knowledge, courage, confidence, etc.
So go ahead and end the con game that holds you back. Challenge the con artist who suggests holding off until a better day. Today is the day. Now is the time.
Action Challenge
~ In what area are you making a renewed commitment to take action and stop procrastinating?
~ What will you commit to saying to challenge the procrastination con artist? See Step 1 for suggestions.
~ What is the real cause of procrastination in this area? See Step 2 and 3 for help.
~ Based on the cause, create an action plan that you can get excited about. Review Step 3 for ideas.
~ What will you gain personally and by reaching your goal? What will others gain? Imagine having met your goal as if it is this moment and what it feels like. Now hold that image and feeling, and take action towards it.
~ Take a small step…Starting Now!
Beth Tabak of www.StartingNowCoaching.com is 100% committed to small business coaching and personal life coaching. She coaches big thinkers to be unlimited, stand out in the crowd, and experience the vastness of their abilities. Stop by to see all that is available to you, connect with Beth through social networking, and say hello'.So go ahead and end the con game that holds you back. Challenge the con artist who suggests holding off until a better day. Today is the day. Now is the time.
Action Challenge
~ In what area are you making a renewed commitment to take action and stop procrastinating?
~ What will you commit to saying to challenge the procrastination con artist? See Step 1 for suggestions.
~ What is the real cause of procrastination in this area? See Step 2 and 3 for help.
~ Based on the cause, create an action plan that you can get excited about. Review Step 3 for ideas.
~ What will you gain personally and by reaching your goal? What will others gain? Imagine having met your goal as if it is this moment and what it feels like. Now hold that image and feeling, and take action towards it.
~ Take a small step…Starting Now!
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Yes, procrastination is the thief of time. I see what Ms. DeGeneres was talking about, but frankly, would it have hurt her to just respond kindly?Yes... we all need to extend more love into the world. Right, Jennifer?! ~smile~
I really liked this article. It really helps those, including me, to stay focused and be persistent.Thanks so much James! Really appreciate your feedback. Know that we are all capable of so much more than we realize and allow that to propel you forward to the life you foresee for yourself.
I think we're all guilty of procrastinating at some point. You offered great advice. Thanks Beth.
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