I have a presentation to write. The little one is sleeping. I've had a training session on writing presentations. I have a deadline. I have pages of notes and great ideas. I want to write this presentation. I need to write this presentation. All things are conspiring for me to write my presentation. So why aren't I writing my presentation?
Because my head isn't in on the conspiracy! Because there is a HUGE habit/ behaviour that I must battle with any time I want or need to do something important.
You come across different blocks and barriers to activity all the time, in our everyday. Want to get up earlier but don't. Want to finish that filing but don't. Want to make that appointment but don't. Want to write that presentation but don't.
There are a multitude of reasons why we don't do what we don't do: time, energy, money are usually the top three reasons. But there are other reasons and they take a little more understanding than a single blog because these other reasons have names like: fear, perfectionism, low confidence.
Does this sound familiar?
- why bother to start something, when it's going to be rubbish anyway
- there's no point doing that because I don't have all the pieces/information
- I'm not going to do that because I'll be useless at it
- it doesn't matter whether I do it or not, it's just me, it's not that important
How many times have you not done something and these have been your reasons? It's incredibly common and natural and can be overcome!
So what am I going to do to write my presentation today? I'm going to walk away. Yes, as 'uncoachy' as that sounds, I have learned about my procrastination. I know what drives it now and I know how to get the 'mojo' back. My strategy is to walk away and take the pressure off. I need to come back to it with a clear mind rather than fighting against it and struggling hour after hour, producing poor quality writing. I know when I do come back to it, it will be with a fresh mind and renewed energy. And it will be brilliant!
What have you been putting off for weeks?
Do you know what drives your procrastination? Is it fear or perfectionism or low confidence?
Do you have a strategy to overcome it or do you get more and more frustrated by your 'laziness'?
Want to have a chat about your procrastination?
Want to get cracking right now on doing something you've always wanted?
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