Get To Work … NOW!
“If you always stay a step ahead you will never fall a step behind.”
- CoachC
Stop procrastinating. Get to work … NOW! I mean it, not later, not tomorrow, not eventually. Stop procrastinating NOW!
Procrastination happens to all of us. It is always hiding in the shadows of our ambitions and dreams. We all know that feeling: the sinking realization that another deadline is looming. Yet, we find ourselves scrolling through social media or binge-watching another series instead of tackling our to-do list. But what if I told you that overcoming procrastination is not just about discipline? It’s a journey, an adventure waiting to happen.
The Hidden Cost of Delay
I love to use a story to bring a topic into focus.
A friend of mine is a fantastic chef. He has been in the culinary profession for most of his life and has always dreamt of writing his cookbook. His dream is to share his passion, the stories of his culinary journey, and the path each recipe takes to reach him.
I’ve tasted his food, it is AMAZING. It is different. It is exciting. He really is talented!
Yet every time he starts to write and compile his stories and recipes, he finds some other project to pursue. He is constantly helping others accomplish their goals and dreams instead of setting aside time for himself and his project.
My friend isn’t alone; many people continue to put off, completing the process of moving themselves along their path. The hidden cost of procrastination will be calculated by the number of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential, and each moment spent delaying action chips away at our confidence and creativity. As we put off our goals, we may be trapped in a cycle of self-doubt—a downward spiral where ambition feels more like an elusive dream than an achievable reality.
Understanding the WHY
To effectively stop procrastination, we must first understand its roots. Why do we delay important tasks? I have found four reasons why procrastination can become part of our lives:
· Fear of Failure: The pressure to succeed can begin to feel too big. The thought of falling short may lead us to avoid taking risks altogether.
· Perfectionism: For some, the desire for everything to be “just right” creates a massive barrier to starting any project.
· Feeling Overwhelmed: When faced with large tasks or responsibilities, it's easy to feel confused about where to begin.
· Lack of Motivation: Sometimes, we feel like we are being pushed into an opportunity we are not passionate about. Instead of telling others we are not interested, we don’t do anything.
By recognizing these triggers within ourselves, we can understand why we procrastinate.
Transforming Procrastination into Productivity
Now that we've identified the problem let’s look into the ways that we can move from procrastination into productivity:
· Embrace Small Steps: The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Instead of trying to do several things at once, break down each step of the project into smaller steps that can be done quickly. This will help build momentum towards completing the entire project.
· Set Clear Deadlines: Deadlines create urgency, which requires greater focus. Instead of fuzzy timelines like “I’ll start working on finishing the project soon,” you can set specific dates for each mile maker on your journey to completion.
· Create Accountability: Telling your quarters of your plan to finish a project, like a cookbook, can help you stay on schedule. When my client told his closest friends about this project, we all became his cheering section on continually making strides to complete the project. When we don’t have others as part of our team, we can bury the project behind other “great ideas,” but when you tell the universe your plan, you have support from those who care.
· Reward Yourself: Completing a project shouldn’t be laborious. Attaching rewards along the way reinforces positive behavior and motivates us to continue moving forward. When you start pushing through your mile markers, you can attach a night out, a shopping outing, or a movie to each step as it is completed. This “carrot” will keep you moving toward your ultimate goal of finishing the entire project.
It's Up to You
As you progress toward defeating procrastination, remember this: You have all the ability and power within you. The power to change your negative self-messaging from hesitation to action! You get to decide how your journey will be completed. Will you be chastised because your work is hurried, or will you be praised and promoted because your work is fantastic? It’s all within your power to accomplish whatever is before you.
GET TO WORK … NOW! Think about why you have been slow in completing a project; identify one small task related to completing the entire project—and take action now! Whether it's writing one paragraph of your best-selling book, filling out an application for your dream job, or making one phone call you've been avoiding, it doesn’t matter how small it seems; every step counts!
Enjoy the Ride
So, let go of any guilt associated with past delays; they are in the rearview mirror of your future potential! Each day presents new opportunities for growth and achievement—embrace them completely! By understanding WHY you procrastinate and how you can change your thoughts toward completing your future projects, you will transform one step into a new way of getting things done.
The journey from procrastination to productivity isn't just about getting things done; it’s about rediscovering yourself along the way! So, stop procrastinating. GET TO WORK … NOW—not just because it’s necessary but because there is magic waiting beyond those hesitant moments when you choose action over delay!
Have an amazing day.
