“There’s nothing worth doing today that can’t be put off until tomorrow.”
All of us live by this maxim sometimes. There is always something easier or more enjoyable to do than the tasks we find daunting or distasteful. Many people are convinced that they work best when faced with an imminent deadline. Too much procrastination, though, can have serious costs.
Think of the times you’ve procrastinated. Consider the time and energy you put into unnecessary activities, like emptying the dishwasher or doing the crossword puzzle. Remember the growing stress and apprehension as the deadline for completion approached. Think of the ways procrastination has negatively impacted your relationships with co-workers, your boss, or your spouse.
You can use the energy that you put into procrastinating to help you achieve your goals. You can direct that same energy into productive work if you commit yourself to doing so.
It’s easier to redirect your energy if you have something specific to focus on. Here are three ways you can harness the energy you use procrastinating so you can more readily achieve your goals.
1. Plan:
Often procrastination results from feeling overwhelmed. There are too many things to do and too little time to do them. The options spin around in your head so fast that any one item can feel like two or twelve.
Pause, step back, take stock, make a list and identify what needs to be done and when. Prioritize.
Gaining perspective in this way is incredibly empowering. It slows things down and provides direction. It clarifies just what steps you need to take, which ones you need to do first and when you can do them.
You can take your planning further by identifying others you might engage to help you with one part or another of your project.
2. Just Do It:
Sometimes what is needed is simply to act. It may matter less what you do than that you simply do anything that moves you forward towards your goal. Once your energy gets directed toward addressing the challenge, it will continue to flow in that direction.
Accomplishing even a small step can encourage you to take the next step and then the next. Before you know it, a momentum develops and you will be well on your way toward achieving your goal.
Think of the times you procrastinated. Sooner or later you actually got going and accomplished the task. It may as well be sooner than later.
3. Visualize Success:
You can create a positive expectation by visualizing success in the challenge you are facing. Consciously replace any disastrous outcomes you anticipate with images of success.
In a state of deep relaxation, imagine a positive outcome. Imagine the project you are working on complete. Pay careful attention to everything you do that contributes to your achievement. Notice how it feels when you have successfully accomplished your task.
Inform your work with this positive anticipation and you will find it goes easier and more smoothly.
We focused on this skill in greater detail in the newsletter Visualize Your Success. If you would like another copy, please email me at Jeannette@achieveyourgoals.com.
Once you change your procrastination into action, you’ll achieve your goals and make your good life better!
Jeannette Samanen, Ph.D.
Jeannette’s professional development began with graduate school at the University of Oregon. Her first post-doctoral position was at the Boston University School of Medicine where, as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry (Psychology), where she specialized in stress management and behavioral medicine. Jeannette has had over 30 years of experience as a life coach and psychologist and derives great pleasure from helping clients transform their lives for the better.