If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well
It were done quickly
MacBeth, Act 1, Scene 7
Following on from the articles about confidence and fear, this article will deal with something which is closely related and often follows from them: procrastination.
Procrastination is something we all come up against from time to time. We know we have to do something, but somehow we can bring ourselves to doing it. Instead we get distracted, almost on purpose. Or we find a myriad different things to do instead, as if they’re obstacles that need to be cleared out of the way. Once they’re done, then we can finally focus on the task at hand.
Recognising Procrastination
Usually it’s quite obvious when we procrastinate: we find small tasks to complete at work. We hide behind the excuse that we “Just have to…” Or we pick up the phone, “just to check something…” Or we completely refuse to even consider doing something.
There are many other ways we use to distract ourselves. The result is invariably that we avoid doing something, even something which could be beneficial for us.
What’s Stopping You?
Tying back to the previous articles, Living With Fear and Coaching Confidence Part 2: The A-F Of Confidence, two possible blockers are fear and confidence.
There are many ways in which fear can play a part in procrastination; it could be the process of the task itself, it might require us to be uncomfortable, like maybe getting cold and wet when going for a run. Or it could be a fear of the result itself, like a confrontation with your boss at work over a pay rise. Always try to find out which part of the process is stopping you.
Confidence in your own ability to complete the process can also play a huge part. It might be something you feel you’re not skilled enough at. We all have our comfort zones, and this might be pushing you out of that zone and into an area which is uncomfortable. We could also lack confidence in the outcome: if I complete this project, will it anyone actually notice? (Like me writing this article.)
How To Break Out
The key thing to breaking out of procrastinating over something is to believe that it’s possible. It’s actually amazing to hear people who seem so convinced that procrastination itself is what’s stopping them that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. They will actually actively seek to procrastinate. The first step is to take back control over that feeling.
So how can you actually stop procrastinating? These are some ways, but at the end of the day everyone is different and will have their own methods;
What’s the first step? What is the first step you need to take to actually do it? As Newton stated, “a body at rest will remain at rest unless an outside force acts on it.” We need to provide that outside force, and by doing something as simple as just standing up we can provide that momentum.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Really, a simple countdown can be really good. By the time that part of your brain which wants to check social media and play with the dog notices, you’re already moving.
Remove the distractions. Put away the phone. No, really away. In another room. In a drawer. But don’t let the act of removing the distractions become another blocker! You’ll end up painting the house just to avoid taking the garbage out.
Rewards. We’re really no different than a chimpanzee pushing a button to get a peanut. Rewards work. Imagine the reward you’ll give yourself when you’re done. Not just halfway done, all the way done.
Break it down. Identify each step you need to take. Overwhelm is a massive cause of procrastination; the task seems so huge that we simply don’t know where to start. The solution to that is to turn one massive task into small manageable tasks. Once the first step has been taken, it’s easier to go on to the next one.
BE PRESENT! Grounding yourself in the here and now can be the absolute superweapon against procrastination. Not letting the past rock in with its fears and doubts, or the scary and uncertain future trying to put us off. Focus on what is going on now, what do I need to do now?
Now there’s a massive hot chocolate waiting for me. Might even have marshmallows in it. 🙂
