Ever found yourself wallowing about something you’ve wanted to do for a long time, but just couldn’t get to it? Every time there’s a new reason to put it off! One day, you’re excited to achieve it but loose the drive half way. On another day, you feel you’re not ready to complete the task or there’s something more important to attend to. When you’ve exhausted your list of excuses, you land on a guilt trip. At this point, you have a choice; either be motivated by the guilt or be defeated by it. When the latter takes place, the vicious cycle of procrastination begins again.
If this experience resonates with you, find ways to beat procrastination with these facts, that can shed light on your struggle:
Fact # 1
When a person procrastinates, it’s often that they are avoiding the task because of how impossible, difficult, boring or uncomfortable it is considered to be. The avoidance has more to do with the view of the task than the task itself. Yet, the procrastinator is not always aware of this and thus misdirects the blame onto the task. Next time, be honest with yourself take responsibility for making excuses. This does not mean you beat yourself up but you are resolving to make changes.
Fact # 2
The saying, ‘if there’s a will there’s a way’ really holds true! Procrastination is a matter of the will-power, which has a lot to do with a person’s ideas about themselves. Research has proven that a person’s thoughts are powerful enough to impact their life for better or for worse. If a person frequently engages in self-limiting thoughts, they will expect and accomplish only as much as they expected themselves too. So a tip to consider is to dream big enough that it scares you. Allow the fear to motivate you to move out of your comfort zone; and you will be surprised by what you can do!
Fact # 3
Another reason why procrastination may be an unwelcomed visitor in your life, is probably because of having unrealistic goals. It can be discouraging when you are unable to reach your targets, but try to be more flexible with your goals. Try to make ‘SMART’ goals which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.
Fact # 4
Procrastination is not as big an issue of you can find a balance between self-discipline and relaxation. Keeping limits for leisure and work is one way you keep boundaries and stay disciplined. As ironic as it sounds, there is a sense of freedom you will find with the boundaries you create for yourself.
If you want to develop your sense of self-discipline, we welcome you to be a part of our group counselling initiative for overcoming procrastination; a five-week program where you interact with a support community of people with similar stories and unlock the secrets to battling procrastination. Read more about time management tips & tricks. With these simple steps, you can beat procrastination, your time’s worst enemy!
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