When you find yourself procrastinating on a particular project, or just delaying in general, it is always a good idea to ask why. If a task is difficult, it's difficult for a reason; you need to know what that reason is, even if it's just a nagging habit you've developed.Yes, procrastination can be just a habit, and sometimes society even rewards you for delaying action, such as late season Christmas bargains. It's not always a bad thing to look before you leap - no one wants to make a poorly thought out decision. But if delaying is causing problems in your life,
reason could be due to anger, fear, or denial.
The next time you find yourself procrastinating on a particular project, ask yourself these questions.
1. Do I find it hard to just get started? The hardest thing about everyday tasks is getting started on them. It's kind of like pushing a stalled car...once you get going, everything rolls right along. Push Past Procrastination by setting up systems that help you. For example, I had a jigsaw puzzle that I just couldn't seem to finish even though I wanted to use it as part of my wall decoration. I finally set it up on its own little table, then moved table out into traffic pattern where I would see it constantly. That got my attention, and got puzzle finished.
2. Do I feel qualified to perform task? Am I in over my head? Being afraid that you will fail at something is a sure-fire way to get you to stop before you've started. Push Past Procrastination by being honest with yourself about your level of training in that particular task. Don't complain or delay. Simply request help from someone qualified who can help you learn.
3. Is this something I really want? I was having trouble finishing painting my kitchen and I couldn't figure out why. As I started to really think about it, I realized that I didn't' really like color. Martha Stewart said I ought to like it, but I just didn't. As soon as I mentally fired Martha and got color I wanted, I finished in no time. Push Past Procrastination by telling truth about what you really want out of life. Live as star of your own life, not as an extra in someone else's.
