Even when you have taken the time to set your big goals, developed a plan and begun to take action, procrastination may be one of the biggest challenges you face.
It really doesn’t matter what the goals are, procrastination is one of those very human traits that can quickly and permanently derail you, if you let it.
You may have started a new business, are working toward a promotion, made plans to complete a course, started exercising every day, began adding more whole foods to your diet, decided to resolve a lingering illness or simply begun to improve your hydration by adding 1 extra glass of clean water a day.
The problem begins when you start second-guessing yourself to the point where you talk yourself out of the very actions that would get see you becoming successful.
No matter how important you initially believe your goals are, old habits can kick in and unless you recognize them for what they are, you can end up convincing yourself that:
- I do not feel like doing that right now because I am too tired!
- I am just not in the mood to do that today!
- I will take a break now and do it later!
So where does that kind of put-it-off-till-later thinking come from?
In most cases, the root of those thoughts is based on a fear of the unknown. Taking a break is never the problem, but when it turns into procrastination and robs you of your ability to succeed, you have to realize there is a problem.
So What Can I Do About Procrastination?
To tackle procrastination, you have to begin by recognizing that it exists then have a plan to deal with it when it appears. Managing your time is the proven method.
So go ahead, watch that TV show, go to a movie or read a few chapters but be prepared. In other words, say “I’m going to read for the next hour then I will make the time to work on my project. Be specific, “I’m going to read till 8PM then I’ll start my project.”
If 8PM comes and goes, your old (bad) habits remain tightly in control. Worse than that, those old habits are draining your self-esteem, integrity, energy, enthusiasm and putting you at odds with your own self who said “I will achieve this goal”.
When you fail to take action on your goal because “I’m too tired” you are letting yourself down. You did not do what you said you would do and you feel guilty, perhaps even a little depressed and disappointed that you failed to live up to your word.
Since even the most successful people experience procrastination in some form or another, how do they handle it? How do they break away from those old bad habits that try to convince them to take it easy, do it later, to fail at the very goals that would otherwise make them more successful?
The answer is simple: “Live in integrity and act in spite of your mood.”
Being aware procrastination is a problem is the first major step to overcoming it. If you are following the advice from Part 1 on developing small steps toward achieving your goal, the chances are that it will be much easier to actually take those steps consistently.
You alone are responsible so repeat often, “I act in spite of my mood.”
Drop by to read the rest of last months newsletter ...
A Wellness Coach Can Help You "Turbo Charge" Your Health
Diane McLaren www.HealthyYouNaturally.com
Tags: Coach Coaching Communication Insights Success Wellness
