Whenever I've worked on 'de-cluttering' my living or working space, I've always found that it's the unfinished project whatever Im procrastinating about - that takes up the most room. Physically, it's a constant reminder of something I tell myself I SHOULD be doing. Mentally, it consumes my thoughts and diverts my attention from the present moment. Emotionally, it weighs down my heart and nicks away at my confidence. In this article, I invite you to consider how procrastination, as a form of self-sabotage, shows up in the different areas of your life. Understanding Procrastination - Why do you procrastinate? Maybe your physical surroundings and your 'systems' of organization are getting in your way. For example: ~ My workspace is too messy ~ I'm too busy Maybe distracting or debilitating emotions or thoughts are getting in your way. For example: ~ I'm afraid - afraid to fail, afraid to succeed ~ I'm overwhelmed Maybe your physical body and its level of well-being is getting in your way. For example: ~ I'm too tired Maybe your thoughts about the other people in your life are getting in your way. For example: ~ They might not like it ~ It won't be as good as _____, so why bother? Procrastination is a habit like any other. If you can envision how you want to be instead and look honestly at what forms of self-sabotage you usually use, you CAN compensate for your procrastination. Overcoming Procrastination: What type of procrastinator are you? Are you a Do-er or a Stew-er? Do-er A do-er will do anything to avoid the task at hand the dishes need washing, the dog needs walking, the mail needs sorting, the bills need paying, the files need organizing, etc. Action Plan for Do-ers Set a timer for 15-minutes and tell yourself that as soon as it goes off you can do whatever else you want, but until it does, you must sit in that chair and work on the project in front of you. - Train your self
- Keep it short
- Stay in your chair
Stew-er A stew-er will sit and stew about the thing youre not doing. Your mind will spin round and round about different possibilities, you will plan elaborate things for when you do get around to working, youll be thinking so far into the future that youll never catch up to yourself. Action Plan for Stew-ers Focus and calm your mind with meditation, affirmations and mind-body work such as breathing. - Clear your mind
- Ground your thoughts
- Pause and breathe
Whether youre a do-er or a stew-er, when we can accomplish our creative goals IN SPITE of having so many reasons to put them off, the rewards are even sweeter. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I need to remember that all I have to do is the next thing. A few next things later and I've tackled quite a bit! Its important to consider the bigger picture of this thing that youre trying to do. Theres always the possibility that you dont really want to do it or that youre not meant to be doing it. If this is the case, a part of you knows that and is trying to tell you, so listen up (just make sure its not fear or self-doubt in disguise). Lastly, remember to celebrate what you HAVE accomplished, no matter how small. The more you focus on what you HAVE done, versus what you HAVENT, the more confidence youll have and the more momentum youll build towards the next thing youre going to do. |
