Procrastination
As we approach the end of what’s been an eventful year, one that’s prevented perhaps all of us from actualising certain plans, I thought it apposite to write about something else which also prevents us from actualising most of our plans - Procrastination.
We all have the proclivity to put off things we need to accomplish, especially when they are challenging. Procrastination is the practice of doing more pleasurable/easier tasks as opposed to less pleasurable/harder tasks. In the words of T. Harv Eker — “If you are willing to do only what's easy, life will be hard. But if you are willing to do what's hard, life will be easy.”
The ripple effect of procrastination is that it can lead to other negative feelings like guilt, inadequacy, depression, self doubt and low confidence in self. Procrastination is a supervillain that robs us of the life we desire and that which we deserve. However, if it’s any consolation, its safe to acknowledge that procrastination is something we all deal with, albeit some better than others.
So here are 6 quick tips on how to prevent procrastinating;
Put Off Putting Things Off - This sounds counter intuitive but once you’re aware that you always put things off, the best way to counter that is by consciously doing what your subconscious mind tries to put off - i.e “procrastinate about procrastinating”.
Start Somewhere - This employs the “Zeigarnik effect” postulated by the psychiartist - Dr. Bluma Zeigarnik. It works on the premise that if we start a task, our brain doesn’t close the loop of activity until we complete that task.
As such, we have a greater chance of completing something once we make a start.Break it Down - One of the biggest challenges that prevents us from doing things we need to do is our view of how huge the entire thing is. By breaking it down into smaller tasks, it becomes less intimidating - remember, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step”
Be Kind to Yourself - Typically, we tend to think that by giving ourselves some guilt for things we procrastinate about, we might change. However, research shows that being hard on yourself for not doing things you plan to do is actually counterproductive. Studies in the areas of self-compassion tells us that if we’re kind to ourselves, we’re more likely to commit and follow through with our plans. Simply understand that you’re human and aim to be better.
Scheduling - This is “common sense” but not “common practice”. By scheduling a task in your diary/calendar with a reminder, you have a better chance at completing it as opposed to making a vague mental note.
Your “Why” - Based on the work of Simon Sinek, author of the book Start with Why. It infers that when you have a project or a goal, and you can’t seem to find motivation to accomplish it, your purpose is what will drive you to the finish line. That if we tap into the reasons for action, we’re able to get past procrastination - “Reasons drive Results”.
Remember - “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone” - Pablo Picasso
Peace, Love & Light.