7 Ways To Push Past Procrastination

May 22
21:00

2002

Kathy Gates

Kathy Gates

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When you find yourself ... on a ... project, or just delaying in general, it is always a good idea to ask why. If a task is ... it's ... a reason; you need to know w

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When you find yourself procrastinating on a particular
project,7 Ways To Push Past Procrastination Articles or just delaying in general, it is always a good
idea to ask why. If a task is difficult, it's difficult
for a reason; you need to know what that reason is, even if it's
just a nagging habit you've developed.

Yes, procrastination can be just a habit, and sometimes
society even rewards you for delaying action, such as late
season Christmas bargains. It's not always a bad thing to
look before you leap - no one wants to make a poorly
thought out decision. But if delaying is causing problems
in your life, the reason could be due to anger, fear, or
denial.

The next time you find yourself procrastinating on a
particular project, ask yourself these questions.

1. Do I find it hard to just get started? The hardest
thing about everyday tasks is getting started on them. It's kind
of like pushing a stalled car...once you get going,
everything rolls right along. Push Past Procrastination by
setting up systems that help you. For example, I had a
jigsaw puzzle that I just couldn't seem to finish even
though I wanted to use it as part of my wall decoration. I
finally set it up on its own little table, then moved the
table out into the traffic pattern where I would see it
constantly. That got my attention, and got the puzzle
finished.

2. Do I feel qualified to perform the task? Am I in over
my head? Being afraid that you will fail at something is a
sure-fire way to get you to stop before you've started.
Push Past Procrastination by being honest with yourself
about your level of training in that particular task. Don't
complain or delay. Simply request help from someone
qualified who can help you learn.

3. Is this something I really want? I was having trouble
finishing painting my kitchen and I couldn't figure out
why. As I started to really think about it, I realized that
I didn't' really like the color. Martha Stewart said I ought
to like it, but I just didn't. As soon as I mentally fired
Martha and got the color I wanted, I finished in no time.
Push Past Procrastination by telling the truth about what
you really want out of life. Live as the star of your own
life, not as an extra in someone else's.

4. Does the task seem huge, even overwhelming? Push
Past Procrastination by breaking the job down into
smaller steps to get it under control and manageable.
Instead of considering painting the whole inside of the
house, focus on only one room or even one wall.
Schedule a specific amount of time that you will spend on
it each day, or week. Set realistic goals for yourself,
instead of expecting to accomplish everything
immediately.

5. Are there too many things demanding my attention so
that nothing of real value gets done? Push Past
Procrastination by setting priorities. Do things that are
important to you and your life. Develop a filter system
so that only what's contributing to your goals gets in.
Making a task easier often comes with making a choice to
adjust your schedule, re-allocate your money, or choosing
how to spend your energy.

6. Is this really my goal, or is it someone else's? Are
you doing it to please someone? Obviously there's nothing
wrong with pleasing the people you love. But if you find
yourself in a role or job that no longer fits, it's a signal
that you will need to find another route to take. Push Past
Procrastination by examining how you spend your time,
what roles you are playing, and how they relate to who
you are at this time in your life.

7. Am I afraid of the outcome? Procrastination may
show up in employment when the fear of finishing one
project without having another on the horizon may mean
that you would get laid off. Procrastination may show up
if you fear being blamed for bad results. Procrastination
may show up in personal situations as a fear of losing
what you now have, even if it's not what you want. Push
Past Procrastination by having reserves. Without
reserves, you live in fear. Fear causes you to make
decisions you don't like, which in turn makes you
procrastinate. Build reserves and fear will no longer slow
you down.