In my experience one of the common reasons that people do not achieve their goals or all they are capable of is because they procrastinate.
Since I started coaching in 2001 many people have sought my help to overcome procrastination and realise more of their potential.
Quite often people have clarity on what they want to do or achieve, they know the decision they need to take, they understand the conversation that needs to be had or the path they need to follow They know in their heart or their instincts are giving them a good nudge about their next steps. Despite this clarity, many people still avoid taking action, they get distracted and they procrastinate.
Many people find difficulty in making decisions, particularly decisions which might result in significant change. As a result of delayed choices they may miss valuable opportunities to change things for the better or other people might make decisions for them meaning a loss of control.
Some might go on accepting an unsatisfactory situation indefinitely – simply because they cannot take the responsibility for changing things. This can cause unnecessary anxiety for themselves and those closest to them.
Some of the reasons for procrastination that I have come across are:
• Fear of failure.
• Dwelling on bad past experiences and being uncertain about the future
• Being too comfortable in the present.
• Believing a task is too complex or too big.
• Not having enough information or too much information.
• Believing that other people won’t support you.
• Dwelling on what could go wrong.
Figuring out why people procrastinate is simple, it’s figuring out how to get over it that’s difficult.
Overcoming procrastination is at the top of many people’s lists for bettering themselves. If you keep procrastination to a minimum you’ll lead a productive, efficient and happy life. Who wouldn’t want this for themselves?
Some ways of overcoming the problem of procrastination that I suggest to clients are:
• Make a commitment to increase your willingness and ability to make decisions for change over the next 12 months.
• When faced with a decision to make, first of all examine carefully the circumstances which have brought you to the decision point; ask basic questions like Why? How? Who? What? When?
• Next ask yourself what it is that you are trying to achieve. What would constitute an ideal outcome? What are the time frames?
• Get clear on your motivations for wanting to achieve this or to make the change.
• Take as much time as it requires establishing a clear definition of purpose. Write it down.
• When you have established sufficient clarity about where you are now and where you want to get to, consider the different options or available routes to your destination.
• Evaluate your options, look at worst possible outcomes, calculate the risks and opportunities involved.
• Choose your best option and decide to act.
• Plan and take action.
Being purposeful and disciplined in your approach is essential in overcoming a reluctance to make decisions. Having a process to follow will get you started where otherwise you might become more confused and more alarmed by the question facing you.
Sometimes you’ll find yourself procrastinating because the task at hand seems too large.
An example would be cleaning out your garage. You may have boxes everywhere and just the thought of going in there is too daunting. In this situation you should tell yourself that you’re going to sort through one or two boxes per day. Before you know it the job will be done little by little.
When it comes to the little things, take on the “do it now” mentality. All those little things can add up to some serious stress if you continue to procrastinate. Simple example is if you get a bill in the mail, go online and pay it. If you find something out of place around the house, put it away.
Get into the habit of setting firm deadlines and sticking to them. To give yourself a little motivation, decide before you start how you will reward yourself when you have achieved what you set out to do and have met the deadline.
It’s easy to feel alone with your challenges, but when it comes to overcoming procrastination there are probably many people in your network that can help you. Maybe you have a friend or relative that has a problem with procrastination. Perhaps you can start checking in with each other, encourage and hold each other to account for the actions you come up with.
Over the next week why not consider if there is something that you have been putting off that needs to be started or dealt with. What is the first step that you can take to get started?
This week’s quotation:
“Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday.” Napoleon Hill.
To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk
