Break the habit of procrastination.
Most of the time the habit of procrastination comes from avoidance. We don’t want to do it because it may take something of us – such as making a call that will be very uncomfortable. This causes stress, which then creates more avoidance.
People then allow distractions with their phone, computer or other pleasant activities to take over the time they were to complete the task they are avoiding. Some people like to procrastinate and then get it done right before the deadline. It can create anxiety but also a sense of victory. It often leads to feeling exhausted.
Procrastination and overwhelm can feed off each other and become a loop that is difficult to get out of and keep you from taking necessary action. It can also come from stress you are under, which can be the result of not getting actions done in a timely manner. Don’t berate yourself for procrastinating. Forgive yourself and it helps you move forward.
When you have a lot going on in different projects, it is easy to feel you don’t know what to do next. Overwhelm stops action and has the to-do list become a monster with all the actions that need attention. Where do you start when all of them are important?
Prioritizing your actions:
Start a different type of list. To get out of the hole you are in, there are several things you can do.
- Write a list of everything you are avoiding. Items could be personal, relationships, your health, or in your business. You don’t want to avoid this since it is the first step, which is seeing where you are in all of it.
- After making the list, select the top 3 actions you are avoiding the most and finish those first, giving yourself a ‘by when’ it will be done (and make it within days).
These items often keep you from doing anything on your list, because these are the ones you know are important. The rest of the list gets stagnant, waiting for the important ones you are avoiding.
After completing those actions you really don’t want to do, celebrate! It feels so good! And you will find that getting this done opens the flood gates to the rest of the list. If your list is quite long, start again by selecting the top three you are avoiding the most and get those done as quickly as possible.
Prioritize the rest of the list to be done with a date and time (‘by when’), and you will find the list will get done much faster.
The most important action is to START! “Chunk” the actions down if necessary. Actions can be divided each day of the week for a specific amount of time. Often when this is done, you will start and find yourself in the flow of finishing more than you set out to do.
Once you finish the Avoidance List, it is a freeing experience. Continue to notice the times you are avoiding certain actions and get them done as soon as possible.
Develop habits of a morning and evening routine:
Keep your avoidance list handy and create a simple routine for the morning that includes certain actions you need to start every day. This could be a habit for what you need to do before leaving for work, or it might be making phone calls first thing when you arrive at work. Make it simple and do it each day.
A friend of mine had a very simple routine for the mornings in this order: after waking up, make the bed, shower, dress, and empty the dishwasher. It almost sounds silly because they are such basic habits. Yet it changed her day.
She didn’t wait until later when things got more hectic; she handled whatever the morning and day would bring. You are ready to start the day. Create a routine habit that works for you.
Create a simple routine habit for the evening; review your list and strike off what you already completed. Rewrite what you need to accomplish for the next day and prepare for how you will complete these items. .
Create a habit where you include taking care of yourself. Carve out time to have fun. Read that book that’s been on your desk for months. Spend time with family.
How Do We Rewire the habit of procrastination?
Procrastination isn’t about laziness or managing your time. Often, we do other actions we love, to avoid what we don’t want to do. We might organize a drawer, check all our emails, including the social section and promotions, look at Facebook and Twitter, watch TV or play a game on our iPad.
According to Dr. Judson Brewer, Director of Research and Innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center, “To rewire any habit, we have to give our brains the “Bigger Better Offer.”
He cautions us to make sure our “Better Offer,” is not another way of avoiding the situation. The solution must come from you and not from an outside source.
The Power in You
You feel like you are drowning at times and overcome by overwhelm. And you are the only one that can save yourself. And that is good news! You have the power to succeed.
You can read more here:
