Two Habits that Block Your Dreams

Perfectionism and procrastination are usually considered separate, unrelated topics. However, when examined closely, they are more like kissing cousins than casual friends.

Procrastination is an obvious block to success and accomplishment; while perfectionism appears as one’s desire to present quality and accuracy but, more often than not, delays the achievement of your goals and dreams.

Perfectionism is the power play of the ego! I’ve had my own issues and experiences with perfectionism. I'm still working, but now I'm much better at realizing when I'm giving into it. When you learn to let go of it and express the real you, things will flow much better and you’ll accomplish a lot more.

Procrastination will stop you in your tracks. We all do it, even successful people. The difference is they’ve learned to recognize it and have developed techniques to manage and overcome it.

Procrastination shows up in many ways. When it’s time to work on projects and tasks, we take bathroom breaks, visit with co-workers, get coffee, make phone calls and surf the net.

At home, we may play with the kids, walk the dog, do house work, water the plants, make phone calls, go online…do you see where I’m going with this?

It’s normal to procrastinate occasionally; don’t beat yourself up about it. Just recognize the signs that you’re doing it and take steps to stop it before it stops you.

While perfectionism is often misperceived as an admirable quality, procrastination is widely recognized for what it really is…an obstacle to success.

But whether you’re a perfectionist or a procrastinator, the end result is the same…you miss deadlines, fail to complete projects and never achieve your goals and dreams.

Learn to identify which behavior you’re exhibiting.

Are you continually re-working, re-writing, and revising projects, causing you to miss or postpone deadlines? That’s a sign of perfectionism.

When you procrastinate, you have difficulty even starting a project. You get knots in your stomach, feel anxious, restless and even guilty.

Decide to change these self-defeating behaviors and choose success and accomplishment instead.

Make a plan. The next time you start to procrastinate, stop yourself; take three deep breaths and do something related to your project or work.

When you see perfectionism rising, set a deadline for completing a phase or milestone and stick to it. Give it your best, then allow it to be complete and move on to the next phase or project.

Procrastination and perfectionism, or success and achievement; which of these two kissing cousins would you rather have in your family? Choose wisely…you’ll be spending the rest of your lives with them.