How to Slay The Procrastination Dragon
These days I’m working on preparing all my Blog posts for the summer. I would like to be able to enjoy my summer vacation, without stressing about my Blog posts, newsletters, social media etc… (more about it in a few weeks… stay tune to that Blog post…)
However, although I knew I had to write THIS Blog post about 2 days ago, somehow, each time I was determined to sit down and write it, I told myself I must put another laundry load before I start.
Then it was that little voice that told me that it would be better to do my 20 minutes daily exercises before I start with my writing.
When I finally sat down I was really hungry so I made myself lunch, but then I realized that the fridge was empty, so I went to do the shopping.
By the time I came back home it was so late in the afternoon and I knew I’m not creative in the afternoon, so I decided I better write this Blog post tomorrow morning, first thing, I promised myself.
Next day somehow the whole cycle started all over again.
Does that sound familiar to you? It’s called – PROCRASTINATION.
When I grew up we didn’t have that word, I don’t think I ever heard this word before I was in my ’30. We used to call this type of behavior…. Being lazy!
However, together with the age of information and interruption we entered a time where procrastinating has become an epidemic which is sabotaging your productivity.
The younger generation is all about procrastinating. They are even making videos and musicals about it. They are aware that they are procrastinating but have no clue how to fight it.
Have a look at the Procrastination – The Musical, which my daughter introduced me to (after finishing reading this Blog Post – ha, ha, ha…)
Any change needs to start with awareness. We need to become aware of our habits and patterns if we wish to change them.
Your level of success will always be depended on your ability to be productive, but if you are suffering from procrastination your productivity will always suffer and the quality of your work will diminish, as you will be doing it at the last moment and under pressure.
Those of you who are Type A personality, which means, that you enjoy stress and deadlines procrastination might sound as if it helps you, however, research has shown that even Type A people are not performing at their best when they are subject to procrastinating behaviors. They tend to produce unpredictable quality work that lowers their success.
Procrastination is the proof of fear of success. Therefore you need to realize that procrastination is a dragon that you have to slay yourself – for yourself.
You need to become familiar with it and turn it around so it would become your friend and ally in becoming more productive.
Here are tips on how to direct your inner procrastinator to your advantage:
Flip your daily to-do list.
You wake up and list the 6 important things you need to do today. According to the 20/80 rule, odds are, one item is worth 10 times more than the rest.
Our natural human tendency is to put it off until later, diverting into mundane tasks like Facebook. We invent devilishly clever reasons not to get that one thing done.
Once you realize which is that one you are dreading to start with – dive in and… DO IT!
The ‘procrastination dragon opportunity detector’ works for big-picture projects, too.
If you’re all-consumed with €10 per hour busy work, you have no time to stop and ask yourself, “What should I launch next week that will double my income this year?”
That question challenges you and confronts you. The more disturbing it is, the better. It challenges the status quo.
Whatever answer come up if it gives you that sick feeling – that’s the plan that probably belongs on the top of the stack.
Delegate the manual work to others.
You’ve probably heard me say it before, I urge women entrepreneurs to hire house cleaners and personal assistants to free yourself from mundane activities.
What do you do with the extra two hours a day you free up? You could waste it away – or focus ON your business and do some strategic work.
Perfectionist? – Get over it!
You might tend to relax your anxieties and stay mediocre by perfecting things that don’t need to be perfect at all.
You spend 15 minutes editing that email before you press send. You clean out your car twice a week.
Most procrastination isn’t doing nothing, it’s doing what’s comfortable and mediocre.
Now I’m curious…
What is your favorite procrastination method?
Share it with us in the comment box below - What tips, suggestions and experience you have in breaking through procrastination?
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Have a magical week! Vered
