How
much better would you life be if you could take the actions that you
know would make you successful? Would things be different if you had
a way to overcome procrastination? For most, the quality of their
life increases substantially when they are able to do what they know
how to do. It is interesting to note, that the majority of
individuals have an idea of what it takes to be a success in any
area. However, the failure to act is what stops these people from
attaining the level that they desire.
Success
in any area of life requires action. Power has been described as
"the ability to act". When one is unable to act in specific
situations, powerless has set in. Procrastination promotes this
result. This single habit destroys more careers, marriages, and
self-esteem than any other single trait. In its' infancy, it is a
minor irritation. However, when it is allowed to grow deep into our
psyche, procrastination has the capability of totally paralyzing one
from acting. It subtly becomes a bigger motivator (or demotivator)
in our decision making. The words "later" and "tomorrow" are
the default mindset.
Procrastination
is driven by two factors: laziness and fear. Often, when we have
something that is rather quick and not difficult to do, we still put
it off. These situations are driven by laziness, We simply do not
feel like doing that activity at the moment. A "Just Do It"
attitude helps in overcoming this. At the same time, there are
things that we put off doing because we fear the results that we will
receive. Our projections are negative which cause us to avoid
acting. We believe that perhaps if we wait, things will pass by. Of
course, this only compounds the issue. Time acts to magnify the
circumstances. In these instances, we will act when the fear of the
consequence of not doing it is greater than the fear associated with
doing it.
A
procrastination list is a valuable tool in challenging the habit of
procrastination. Regardless of the motivator, it enable us to take
action in an orderly manner. A great deal of a procrastinator's
problem is in their thinking. By using this list. much of the
thought process is removed. We set down all that we are putting off
on paper as they come to mind. The order is set without any
pre-qualification. Everything is listed regardless of the size of
the task. If it is being put off, it is written down.
Once
the list is completed, the tasks are handled one-by-one in the
sequence listed. There is no jumping around. If it is next on the
list, that is what is focused upon. The process of thinking is
removed entirely from the equation. Also, it is vitally important to
concentrate on one activity until it is fully completed before moving
onto something else. Procrastinator's tend to bail out when things
get a little difficult. Resist this temptation while finishing the
task at hand.
The
other technique that is really effective against procrastination is
the procrastination partner. This is someone who you decide you will
be accountable to for helping with your list. We seem to be able to
take action when we have someone else that we are answering to. This
is an ideal way to set up those parameters for yourself.
With
this resource, we find someone who we can put trust in to have the
gumption to honestly push us. If you find someone who will let you
be lax, it will not work. Upon sitting with this person, we show
them our procrastination list. A schedule is set down as to what
actions we will take and when. Regular interaction is required to
monitor the progress and report the results. Sometimes people will
each establish a list and help each other work on it. The more you
can involve the other person in motivating you, the better. It is
similar to having a workout partner. The accountability is often
enough to get us to act.
Our
thinking is what creates the thoughts to put something off. When we
remove that process or we are working with someone else who does not
carry that same idea, the fear that we conjured up loses its power.
This is the starting point to regaining our personal power. Our
success increases immediately when we are able to take the proper
action. The ability to act is a quality that the highest achievers
have.
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