|
By Kathy Gates
We’ve all been guilty of it – putting things off. There are lots
of reasons for procrastinating, and sometimes society even
rewards us for it (those great deals on the last few days before
Christmas!). But more often than not procrastinating creates
stress, and bad feelings.
Is procrastination running – or ruining -- your life?
Next time you find yourself putting off a task, ask yourself
these questions. It will help you identify the reasons behind
delaying, and you’ll be able to Push Past Procrastination in no
time!
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, if you’re
always late paying bills, set up a system of paying them on a
specific day of the week, at a specific time, and at a specific
place. For example, I have a friend who goes to work ½ hour
early every Wednesday, and pays her bills at her desk.
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. But when you're living
life according to your own design -- a REAL LIFE -- the goals are
easy, and people have to get out of your way
4. Does the task seem huge, overwhelming?
Instead of considering all that filing you need to do, schedule a
small 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. 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. Build reserves and fear will no longer slow you
down.
|
