It makes me wonder why I find it so hard to step out of my comfort zone and say to people look at me. Come on, work with me. I am one of the greatest that you can work with. I can give you success if you're willing to invest the time, effort and energy. But some things stand in the way of me doing that. At the weekends, procrastination is at its best, and I really need to find out how to overcome it. Without it, I would have a much better life.
One of the things that people tell me after a session is often the same: "OMG, that was so intense. And that is because I use my sessions to teach you how to develop the skills so you can use your mindset and your energy to transform your life.
But even me, knowing all of that stuff and what I can do, I spent most of my day here on the sofa, not doing anything. I watch TV and do some ironing (whilst watching the TV). It is cold and winter, so I spend hours watching youtube videos in bed where it is nice and warm.
So yes, that is what I do to procrastinate. I know what I need to do. But sometimes, it is just tough.
How did I get myself out of the state I was in and overcome the procrastination:
- I went out and changed my scenery. Fresh air and movement. I went to get some lunch and set myself the target to start to do something useful at 2 pm.
- 2 pm came. I felt overwhelmed and decided the easiest thing I could do was shoot a little video. Nothing complicated, something simple (no amazing lighting, simply to do something.
- I did more and more and more, I felt inspired, and I did more.
- The final thing was to change the video transcript into the blog post you are reading now.
4 steps to overcome procrastination:
- Get yourself moving and some fresh air (move your ass, basically)
- Commit a time to start (planning)
- Do something easy to start with (minimal effort, break down what you have to do)
- Feel inspired, and recognise the fact you've done this small thing (reward yourself)
- Use the inspiration to get into the flow and do what you have to do (motivation).
- Stay focused and avoid distractions (self-discipline)
I want you to know that I don't think procrastinating is wrong, but I also don't think it's productive because you won't achieve anything procrastinating. But what I want to say to you is this:
Procrastination is about not doing something you must do to reach your full potential or goal. Something prevents you from taking the next step and allowing yourself to move forward.
5 reasons that you procrastinate
- You have to do something you don't like doing.
- You're scared you'll look stupid, and you'll be judged.
- You don't think you can do what you have to do.
- You don't think you'll benefit from doing what you must do.
- You need to make a big change in your life; either you're scared to make the change, or nothing is happening because you're not doing anything about it.
The problem with procrastination
Once I got into my flow and found my inspiration, this is what I learned:
The problem with procrastination is not that you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing. The problem is knowing there is something at the other end of what you're not doing that is amazing and that you deserve a clean house, a new career, a delicious meal, whatever. The problem is the inner struggle and the negative emotions (guilt, anger) you experience because, in effect, you are holding yourself back from something you want and deserve.
We all experience this inner struggle in many different places. But if you're procrastination because you need to make a big change in your life, you need a reset, and then you need to dive deeper to overcome procrastination.
How to overcome procrastination
I can help you with that by giving you a new lease on life, whether it is about recharging yourself, finding the energy and motivation to look better after yourself, or finally finding the courage to transform your life and relationships. Who doesn't want that?
They often say for you to love somebody, you need to be able to love yourself. And I think that is true.
If you want to learn how I can help you, click this link and book a FREE Kickstarter session with me.
Lots of Love.