Are you in the habit of putting things off that you know you have to do?
If you're procrastinating because you have to do something that you don't like doing, or keep putting off, just remember that the sooner you get started, the quicker you can stop agonising or worrying about it.
Procrastination can produce stressful feelings.
Worrying about a project or assignment you don’t want to do uses up your valuable energy and creates stressful feelings.
So what’s the solution?
Schedule in your diary or on your calendar a specific time and date to do whatever it is your are putting off.
Bite size pieces
Rather than seeing the project as one big job, and feeling overwhelmed or snowed-under by it, break it up into smaller projects. Then set deadlines for each part.
Make a list
Get in the habit of making a list of everything you have to do. Then notice the feeling of fulfilment you get from crossing off each task or assignment
as you complete them.
Mental launch
Give yourself a mental launch by affirming “I’m taking action now” Make this easy statement your daily affirmation. Write it out and place it where you can see it. Repeat your affirmation out aloud or silently to yourself with as much positive feelings as you can generate for at least 21 days. Why 21? Research has proven that it takes 21 days to form a habit.
In the words of Dr Andrew Weil, “anything you do with repetition and emotion will become your reality. If you are not satisfied with your current experience, examine your habits”
Make a habit of taking action.
Each time you take action and complete a task, you will free up your mind and reduce stressful feelings of anxiety. When the bigger tasks, projects or assignments require your focus, you will have the ‘take-action-now’ confidence and self-belief to deal with it.
“A year from now you may wish you had started today” Karen Lamb
Take action now!
