I often procrastinate. I could begin my day with the best of intentions to get critical responsibilities carried out, yet I soon find myself detouring from the path. I turn out completing my hours with busyness as well as errands. I understand the main things I have to do, and also the ones that will bring me supreme joy; but I often place the more pressing things first, such as chores, errands, phone calls, etcetera.
I procrastinated about writing this article, for example. I knew what I needed to state, but found excuses about writing it recorded on paper. I appeared to be very busy with less crucial tasks, therefore it did not get carried out.
People are usually aware of those times when they’re procrastinating, but they can’t seem to flip the switch. This can lead to all kinds of self-defeating thoughts and feelings of guilt, eventually causing depression. When we are procrastinating, it’s usually over the things that will make our lives better. Not doing them usually results in unpleasant consequences.
So, why do we procrastinate? Why do we let meaningless situations get in the way of our dreams? Why do we put off starting a new business, losing the weight, or taking that trip? What is really so important in life that we have to put our dreams on the back burner?
Here’s what’s promising; you’re the one who procrastinates, and you are the one who can cause it to stop.
There are many reasons why people procrastinate, and most of them are valid excuses. Some may have a hard time concentrating, and find themselves with so much on their plate, they can’t focus on just one thing. Others may have anxieties about completing a project and doing it right, so they avoid doing it all together.
Our own belief about ourselves is another excuse why we may procrastinate. If a person does not believe they can achieve their goals, they’ll tell themselves so, and avoid trying.
For a few, it could be the fear of faltering. Why start out to achieve something, simply to realize you cannot do it after all-and then, there is always the possibility that someone won’t want it.
What ever the reasons for procrastination, you will find solutions to conquer it.
Step #1 Determine What’s Holding You Back
Take a close look at yourself and identify any behaviors that could be related to fear, anxiety, concentration or time management. Understand why you have these behaviors and try to eliminate them.
Understand your goals and your purpose. What is it you really want to accomplish? How do you want to live, act and feel?
Line up those desired goals with your current behavior and note where you are self-sabotaging your ambitions. Have you been unconsciously creating behaviors and circumstances which will ultimately cause failure?
Step #2 Practice Self-discipline & Determination
Discipline and motivation are also vital to overcoming procrastination. Ask anyone whom you consider successful how they manage to continuously work on their goals, and never stop until they reach the finish line. I bet they’ll say it takes discipline to stay focused and keep going even when the going is tough or unpleasant.
Practice emphasizing the reward and not about the work. Do not forget that the work is simply a “means to an end.” It is what you need to do to obtain what you look for.
I was talking to an expectant mother a few months ago, and she asked me in regards to the discomfort of labor. She was anxious about dealing with the experience, as it was her very first delivery, and she’d heard horror stories.
I was truthful with her. “Look at it in this way,” I informed her. “The labor is simply a ‘means to an end.’ If you don’t undergo the labor, then you’ll never meet that precious baby!”
I promote to utilize that exact assistance with your own pursuits. Concentrate on the end result. Discover what you must do to get there, after which make those tasks important every day. Do the job and reap the benefits! The hard work is merely the means to an end. It is what will bring you to supreme victory.
Step #3 Pull out Your Goals
Most people have dreams. Some might not put them into action but they still have them, pushed into the recesses of their minds. “Some day,” they’ll tell you, “I will accomplish XXX.”
What are they waiting for? Why do they settle for living a mediocre life rather than an exceptional one? Why do they think they will do those things “later”? Why do they wait to really live to their fullest?
What if the doctor told you that you had only six months to live? What would you do? How would you act? What would be the most important things you would want to accomplish?
No one desires to think their time is up tomorrow or the day after, however the truth is, everyone has a prognosis of death. All people are going to die eventually and leave our own loved ones behind.
If we were actually given 6 months to live, undoubtedly we’d also make the best use of our time. But-what about today? Why don’t you start living that way now? Why wait one more day just living a regular life, when you could be living a special one? What is holding you back? What are you waiting for?
What if you did not die in six months yet instead you lived being 105? How do you want to spend all these years? Do you want to age with regret? Would you like to mourn the loss of your ambitions? There will probably come a day when you will not possess the energy mentally or physically to go after your goals, so time is an issue.
Start living a life of purpose now! If you continue down a similar way you are on now, tomorrow is going to be as predictable as today. If you live to be 105, that is many , many years to live just a common life. Imagine that.
Step #4 Start Living Now
Why put off your ambitions until tomorrow if you can achieve them today? Will a thing enchanting happen “later” that will give you more time, energy or desire? Most likely not. So-what are you waiting for?
Life can be so busy. Even if we have some down time, we could easily fill it up with “stuff.” Let us admit it: life will always be busy. There will always be an errand to perform or an obligation to fulfill.
If we know we will always be busy, then why not get started now? Why delay happiness? Why not be happy while you are busy? Just decide.
Life is short, but if we focus on the opportunities we have while we’re living, then we can have a life of greatness. Rather than running from the fear of dying, make it your goal to do everything you want to do in life. Live with more purpose. Focus on your goals.
Love those you love with a love that will last all of them a lifetime. And most critical of all: love your self. Love yourself enough to follow your aspirations and be who you were born to be. Live now, while you’re still in “the living years.
Michelle Prince – Author of “Winning in Life NowHow to Break Through to a Happier You!“, and top life coach, is passionate about helping others to become more of who God created them to be. To get Michelle’s Personal Performance Newsletter, visit winninginlifenow.com
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