Episode Transcript
Ready Set Go? Or not. To Go or Not to Go is never the question. But procrastination will stop you from going without question.
Procrastination is like a mosquito that has the stopping power of an elephant if you let it.
Procrastination comes from an emotional mindset; like any emotional mindset, it only has as much power as the fuel you feed.
Nike said it best, "Just Do It!"
That might sound good in an ad, but it can be challenging to apply to life.
I will reveal some proven methods to overcome procrastination for the novice, sometimes procrastinator, to the seasoned "hardly ever get going" procrastinator.
So, let's dig in.
First, ask yourself what am I doing instead of what I am supposed to be doing. I had an instance where a client would start erasing old emails when he had essential issues to perform.
I would start some house chores instead of getting on with what is needed.
Here are a couple of ways to think of this habit:
1: The $1.00, $5.00, and $100.00 chore.
Suppose you have a critical situation, like paying a past due bill, a deadline on your job, or a life-changing effort. These could be your $100.00 chores.
But instead, you straighten up your sock drawer, which is a $1.00 chore.
Imagine running a business with your top software engineer as your chief and your chef as your software engineer. The results would be less than perfect.
The second tool is the quadrant tool, as outlined by Steven Covey. Grab a piece of paper, draw a large square, and divide it into four sections.
We start from left to right at the top using numbers one through four.
Quadrant one is Nessecity; you have waited until the last minute, you have many things to do, and your back is against the wall.
Quadrant Two: this is where we all need to operate. You have planned and implemented solutions for possible problems—for instance, saving a few dollars a week so you don't have to worry, budget, or use your credit card when you need a new tire.
Quadrant Three: Things that are not important but feel good doing them.
Somewhat deceptive. Unnecessary interruptions, like meaningless conversations, checking outdated emails, and reading questionable social content.
Quadrant Four: Everything in this quadrant should be avoided. Your life does not hinge on what a movie star had for breakfast unless that is part of your job—spending hours and hours playing video games or binging on online series that have no positive impact on your life journey.
If you have difficulty wrapping your mind around some of these things, keep a time journal. And you will soon see that your forward movement is easier than you think. You will find that applying a small portion of wasted time to forward momentum will work miracles.
Okay, this is information, but we need transformation. Break it Down, Break it Down, and Break it down. And write it down.
Write down what you need to do for the day. Ensure that this list accomplishes forward movement and that you will be satisfied when these things are completed.
Then, take the most critical item and write down what it would take to accomplish the task. For instance, if you needed to straighten up a closet.
Only think of part of the closet. Let's say the shoes. Well, maybe that feels too much. Then start with tennis shoes or formal shoes.
Each time you feel like it is too much, break it down.
Start by giving yourself fifteen minutes for the closet. Take a two-minute break, or start on another item on your list. You will not burn out or feel trapped by redundancy. And before you know it, you will have gotten many things done.
And not just done, but done well. Celebrate every accomplishment, however small. 99% of people never finish anything because they have yet to start.
Additionally, You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to wait for the ideal time, strategy, or opportunity. The time is now. Don't be a victim of paralysis through analysis. Overthinking was something I wrestled with myself.
My Mum always told me to think for myself. And be responsible for my actions.
Unfortunately, this made me overly cautious. I always needed one more piece of information or one more possible strategy.
When I was living so many scenarios over in my head, I never did anything.
If you think of every car accident that could happen, you would never step foot in a car.
There may be deeper issues going on. Fear of failure. Fear of being ridiculed. You might be scared of letting your family down. Or you are jeopardizing your financial stability.
For many of us, someone in our childhood undermined our self-esteem.
So what? That was then is; now it's time to go for it.
We all know poor judgment will cause significant problems. But guess what? Great decisions come from experience, and experience comes from actions.
If you haven't failed, you haven't done anything. The only way to know if something will work for you is to do it!
You are not a fortune teller, so don't worry about some negative fantasy future with no credibility. That will never happen anyway.
And, what is the worst thing that could happen? And if it happens, is it the end of the world?
And lastly, how will you feel later on if you look back and don't try? How would you think if everything worked out?
What would you do, and how would you do something if you knew you could not fail?
If you have a growth mindset, which will allow you to adapt, improvise, and overcome. And you match that with a burning desire and a no-quit attitude. You cannot and will not fail.
Make procrastination the mosquito it is. Spray it in the air or squash it when it lands on you. But never let it stop you.
It's your time to shine.
Remember, "Nothing to it, but to Do It."
Elevate, Achieve, and Soar. Make Your Only Way - is Forward and Up!
