Get More Things Done by Avoiding Procrastination
We all have tendencies to procrastinate, but the difference between the ones who do procrastinate and the others who do not is self-discipline or self-control. The individuals that are determined to stick to the task even during the dull, mundane, and non-rewarding times will realize true success. They exemplify a high degree of self-confidence, focus, and commitment that personify who they truly are.
On the other hand, the person procrastinating may have the same qualities as the one who doesn't. However, there are some habits they've inherited or developed that reduce their effectiveness. If you have come to grasp with the fact that you procrastinate, that is a good thing. Awareness is always the first step to change.
Evaluate the causes below to heighten your awareness in identifying why you procrastinate.
Lack of motivation particularly when the project or task is dull, boring or uninteresting.
Fading excitement can reduce a person's involvement to the point of delaying the project. Initially, a person can be very focused on doing exciting and interesting projects by taking action, but when the excitement fades, so does the involvement.
Fear of failure can cause us to stop dead in our tracks. Instead of exercising courage to plunge ahead, we take the easy road out by postponing, delaying or going to the next shiny thing.
Low self-esteem can generate a false sense of inability to get the job done and as such the person may unconsciously switch to doing other non-related things that improves his or her self-worth.
Now that you know why you procrastinate, study these “7 practical ways to getting things done” to assist you in overcoming these bad habits.
1. Determine Desired Outcomes: Figure out what is the ultimate outcome you are seeking and ponder this question: "Do I passionately want the gold at the end of the rainbow?"
2. Stay Focus: Be sure the focus is fully embedded in the mind. If there is no focus, you are apt to be erratic in your actions. We all need the direction that comes from being focused. Otherwise, what we are attempting to accomplish can become a moving target making it unattainable.
3. Leverage Past Feelings: Think of the feelings of past accomplishments when you've successfully completed a project. This can be a great motivator to repeat those feelings. So often it is the end result that keeps us going.
4. Avoid Lost Opportunity Syndrome: What opportunities have you lost because you did not act swiftly? Make a personal resolve that this will not happen again. A committed determination changes the perspective and enhances the desire.
5. Select an Accountability Partner: Get an accountability partner to hold your "feet to the fire" so that you are more likely to meet your target. Working alone for long periods of time can drain your motivation, but having a fresh and different perspective often helps
6. Avoid Falling Back on Old Habits: It takes more than a shallow attempt to overcome procrastination. Because the habit is so ingrained in us we often overlook it as the cause of some of the decisions we make. So if you tried and it didn't work, don't give up. Take a positive approach with every setback.
7. Stay on Track: Start with baby steps. Take one thing you often put off and do a head check as to what caused you to delay. Then work on that one thing until it becomes a part of you. Be very conscious of your thinking and doing.
If you have tried all the above and other things on your own and they didn't work, maybe it’s time to get professional help to assist in drawing out what's hindering you and in seeking help in finding workable solutions.
As a professional business and life Coach, I've worked with individuals who have had stifled dreams and lacked God's purpose for their lives all because they procrastinated and went off on different tracks. Don't let this happen to you. Click here to set up a 30-minute consultation session.