Whenever I’ve worked on ‘cluttering’ my living or work space, I’ve always found that it’s the unfinished project, whatever I’m putting off, that takes up the most space.
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 on my heart and undermines confidence.
In this article I invite you to consider how procrastination, as a form of self-sabotage, manifests itself in different areas of your life.
Understanding procrastination: why do we procrastinate?
Perhaps your physical environment and organizational ‘systems’ are getting in the way. For example:
~ My workspace is too messy
~ I’m too busy
Perhaps distracting or debilitating emotions or thoughts are getting in the way. For example:
~ I am afraid – afraid of failure, afraid of success
~ I’m overwhelmed
Perhaps your physical body and level of well-being are getting in the way. For example:
~ I’m too tired
Perhaps your thoughts about the other people in your life are getting in the way. For example:
~ You may not like it
~ It won’t be as good as _____, so why bother?
Procrastination is a habit like any other. If you can imagine how you want to be and take an honest look at what forms of self-sabotage you tend to use, you CAN make up for your procrastination.
Overcoming Procrastination: What Kind of Procrastinator Are You?
Are you a Do-er or a Stew-er?
Maker
A “doer” will do anything to avoid the task at hand: the dishes must be washed, the dog must be walked, the mail must be sorted, the bills must be paid, the files must be organized, etc.
Action Plan for Do-er’s
Set a timer for 15 minutes and tell yourself that as soon as it goes off you can do whatever you want, but until it goes off you need to sit in that chair and work on the project in front of you.
- train yourself
- keep it short
- stay in your chair
stew
A “stew-er” will sit and “stew” about what you’re not doing. Your mind will go round and round over different possibilities, you will plan elaborate things for when you get to work, you will be thinking of the future so far away that you will never reach yourself.
Action Plan for Stew-er’s
Focus and calm your mind with meditation, affirmations, and mind-body work like breathing.
- clear your mind
- ground your thoughts
- pause and breathe
Whether you’re a “doer” or a “stew,” when we can achieve our creative goals DESPITE having so many reasons to put them off, the rewards are even sweeter.
When I feel overwhelmed, I need to remember that all I have to do is the following. A few things later and I’ve tackled quite a bit!
It’s important to consider the big picture of this “thing” you’re trying to do. There is always the possibility that you really don’t want to do it or that you are not meant to do it. If this is the case, other than that you know it and are trying to tell him, so listen (just make sure it’s not fear or doubt in disguise).
Lastly, remember to celebrate what you HAVE accomplished, however small. The more you focus on what you HAVE DONE, versus what you HAVEN’T DONE, the more confidence you’ll have and the more momentum you’ll build for the next thing you’re going to do.