I want to address the topic of frustration because frustration can be extremely debilitating when we are trying to get things done. I am going to explain the reason why frustration can turn into a roadblock to our productivity, and then I will describe different ways that you can turn your negative feelings into feelings of being empowered.
I became interested in the topic of frustation long ago, when I noticed that clients who did not know how to handle their feelings of frustration often slowed down in their progress with their work, or even stopped working completely.
Oftentimes, I have seen that the work itself is not the biggest impediment to finishing — it is our FEELINGS about the work.
It is important to remember that our feelings are the intersection point between the mind and the body. I just learned that a few days ago because I just started reading the book The Power of Now (after 10 years of avoiding reading it).
So if we cannot tolerate the feeling of frustration, we cannot make a smooth connection between what our mind wants us to do (get our work and tasks done) and the action that we need to take to get that work and those tasks done.
Then what happens?
We get caught, stuck, and stymied in the stagnation zone. We aren’t going anywhere. We are totally stuck in between our mind and our body and all we can do is think about our feelings.
Then what happens?
We get even more frustrated than if we had continued working on the task or project.
The frustration that is caused by procrastination looks like this:
- Self-criticism
- Feeling deflated
- Feeling exhausted and spent
- Feeling unpowerful
- Feeling isolated
- Feeling directionless
- Feeling sad
- Feeling unsure and uncertain of what the next step is
Yes, these feelings of frustration really are the pits. I don’t think people talk about this enough — exactly how totally miserable it is to be stuck in procrastination for extended periods of time.
Some of you know I have made it my mission to talk about this more. I believe when we can talk about these emotional factors OPENLY and FULLY, we don’t have to feel powerless when we are struggling with them anymore. We can feel like we have options.
And we all like options, am I right?
Now, I am going to let you in on my ninja trick for combatting the feelings that frustration and procrastination tend to bring.
Do the opposite. The exact opposite of what you were doing.
So, if you are criticizing yourself, begin to find ways to lift yourself up with your words.
If you are feeling deflated, decide to look at yourself in a more positive light.
If you are feeling exhausted and spent, find a way to reset yourself, perhaps with some deep breathing or a walk around the neighborhood.
If you are feeling unpowerful, remind yourself that that is just a story that you have fallen victim to. The fact of the matter is you are more powerful than you can ever really know.
If you are feeling isolated, connect with at least one person who can see your true talents and brilliance and can stay with you until you get your first steps taken or sentences written.
If you are feeling directionless, make a quick plan. All you need to do is decide when you are going to start, what your next small action step will be, and what the result should look like before you decide you are done with that step.
If you are feeling sad, talk about your feelings with someone who knows how to support you. Remind yourself that even your sadness is temporary and that you can find your next action step even in times of sadness.
If you are feeling unsure and uncertain of what the next step is, remind yourself why you began this project or journey in the first place. Although you might be struggling now, there was a really good, sane, and doable reason that you figured you could do what you're trying to do!
I am quite sure I have forgotten a thing or two on this list of things you can do to counter your procrastination. But that is okay because the other tip is to know that you DO NOT NEED TO BE PERFECT and YOU DO NOT HAVE TO INCLUDE EVERYTHING IN THE UNIVERSE TO BE DONE.
Let yourself begin. Let yourself get through the middle part. And let yourself finish.
Guide yourself kindly, with clarity the whole way through. You’ll be amazed when you realize (eventually) that you’re no longer feeling frustration when you’re trying to get things done.
Our biggest resistance is our resistance. Drop the resistance. Ease into the process and find the success you have been wanting and waiting for!
Let me know what you do with these tips. Come over to Instagram and send me a direct message with your biggest wins!
Visit the Make Time for Success Podcast, Episode #2 to hear me discuss this topic of overcoming procrastination on the show. You can even remember the episode number, just in case you ever find yourself running in the other direction from your work. You’ve got options now! No need to fear anymore.
