When we Procrastinate, we create opportunities for a chaotic mess of cognitive and emotional changes to enter our lives. The following is a list of techniques to help you re-emerge from a Procrastination gap, if you are in one:
- Be patient with your up-and-down feelings. We have a tendency to believe our moods should be Even Steven when we are at work. I know I don’t have to think very long before coming up with many, many examples of work experiences where my mood, which tends to be stable, was anything but.
- Remember your doubts don’t represent reality. To all the “What if?”-ers in the world, those what-ifs are fear statements run amok. Don’t wager your bright future on those made up, extreme anxiety versions of your future. Make it a habit of writing your what-ifs down. The only value they will give you is the sense that your fears are exaggerated once you’ve tallied how many actually come true (if you can even tally a one).
- Reject others (sort of). Part of the reason individual therapy and coaching helps Procrastinators is because they put focus on that one person. That one person who likely has been spending a whole lot of time comparing him or herself to those around them, even people who don’t actually exist. It’s really, really, really hard to be the world’s best anything or something, so let’s drop the competition and let's start living.
- Join others. Get into a group of like-minded people. If there isn’t a group, form one. Start with one person. If that person isn’t a good fit, ask for his or her suggestions for who might be a good fit. Let the stimulation of meeting and connecting with someone new enable you to forget your worries.
- Stick with the basics. When we sit with ideas or stress too long, complications ensue. We get overloaded, tired, and unfocused and then get ourselves started on a bum foot. Ask yourself, “What am I trying to accomplish here?” or “What aspect of this project do I understand so far?” With a deep breath and answers to those questions, write two sentences, break out those tools, plug in that device, turn up the music and get started. Once you’ve started, continue to keep the basics of your purpose in mind.
- Look straight ahead, not up. There are so many pressures to “make something of yourself” and to achieve and to acquire whatever (you fill in the blank). Sometimes the message comes with the teaser that Happiness will be yours once you’re done. We often think upward progression is the only path to success. I’ve come to understand after years of working as a psychologist, that the sense that achievement is beyond your grasp, or only for the super-talented and naturally gifted, is a false one. Achievement (including the upward progression kind) requires involvement. Our involvement comes in the moments where we decide our efforts are worth our toil and trouble.
- Adopt an accepting attitude. We rail against life’s unfairness – our need for a root canal or to shoulder a burdensome task, for example – but we tend not to celebrate when life is…well, fair. When you find yourself in a low moment or period, remind yourself that life is not stable, and then find a way to get your own sense of stability again.
- Immerse yourself. Instead of running away from what you need to take care of, run towards it. Surround yourself with your unsorted documents. Turn on the computer and get writing, or e-mailing, or planning. The boldest way to deal with Procrastination and the stress of it is to go in.
For me, method #8 is the key. It’s the key to me staying as clear away from Procrastination as I can manage. It’s a daily struggle, but one that is well worth my while.
Which method is key for you? I’d love to hear. Please leave a reply here if you’d like to share your technique for getting rid of Procrastination-caused stress.
News to Share
I’m excited to announce that the Procrastination Coach October Workout Group is currently taking members! The Workout Group will provide members with weekly written lessons on dealing with Procrastination, a live coaching webinar with me, and the opportunity to connect with other members in a confidential Facebook group. Membership for the month of October is $10.
