4 Ways to Postpone Your Procrastination
We’ve all done it at some time or other. We put off creating a blog post until tomorrow; we continually delay finishing that project or contacting that lead.
Procrastination is the mother of all demons and can literally stop you in your tracks from achieving all that you are looking forward to.
Here are 4 effective ways to climb the mountain.
Jump in.
Hold your breath and jump right in! You know how a pool can be super daunting until you finally get into it and submerge yourself? Then, you don't want to get out. Sometimes projects or tasks can feel this way too so instead of walking around it - go straight into it. It's the transition that's the worst so skip the transition! Note: This is not meant to be “just do it” advice, if you feel like using this method feels like that, try another below.
Take baby steps
Sometimes we procrastinate because the task may be intimidating to us. Maybe we have no possible inkling on where to start. In these cases, it is totally fine to take it one step at a time. Say you are preparing a marketing launch plan and for the 5th time this week, you’ve turned on the computer and looked at the blank screen. Or, you’ve just remembered you need to do some more research before you begin…you’re still not ready. Breaking down the project into smaller pieces and tackling each bit separately can be so helpful in this phase. Make each task an individual project and after completion of each one, celebrate, and acknowledge your dedication to getting it done.
Forget it. Take it off the table.
Why force the issue? If you have been ‘dragging your feet’ on something for a very long time, it may all be for the best to just let it go. Something, somewhere is trying to tell you that it's not worth it. 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 this delay? I find it amazing that 99% of the time I put off doing something, I am thankful that I did! Of course, if someone is waiting for you, communicate with them. Maybe there is someone more energetic to get it done and you can stay in YOUR zone of genius.
Find Support
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? Or, do you need some body doubling? 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-professional and you put off answering emails, then don’t answer them yourself. Hire an assistant, find someone to co-work with, hire a housekeeper to take the mental load off, get a family member to help...so many options.
Procrastinating on life changing activities could be as a result of fear of the unknown. Start shining a light to where it feels “too big” and apply a solution!