PROCRASTINATION

An online dictionary defines procrastination as “the action of delaying or postponing something”.

It is easy to procrastinate but not always beneficial.  One of the most important things, I believe, is to understand why you are not taking action and here are a few of the reasons that might apply:

1.    Fear – If you are not confident about the results or think that perhaps you might actually make things worse than they are, it can be tempting to freeze.  One of our worst enemies, however, is fear as it stops us from learning and even from the possibility of achieving success.
2.    Reason – Perhaps you don’t think that the task ahead of you is important enough to invest your time and energy.
3.    Focus – We can all learn from lines by Lewis Carol in his popular book “Alice in Wonderland”.  Carol wrote: “Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”
4.    Disorganization – It doesn’t matter whether you are working in the garage, on your finances or on a relationship, you need to have tools and planning to succeed.  
5.    Distractions – How often do you say “I’ll just watch one more video” only to realize that hours have slipped away without your awareness?  
6.    Costs – Every endeavor has a tangible and intangible fee.  Are you willing to pay the price it will take in order to do the project ahead of you?  
7.    Health – If you are exhausted, ill or in a low mood, you just might not have the stamina to proceed.  Self-care is important but remember that it needs to be done on a daily basis.
8.    Criticism – Over the years I have learned to be cautious about the people with whom I associate.  It is good to have wise advice but hanging out with negative people who are naysayers will leave you in the same unhealthy position that they are in.  
9.    Timing – My degree in sociology taught me that time and opportunity have to meet.  The trick is that when you see an opportunity you just might not have the clarity to realize that it is the right timing.  Better to make an attempt and see where it goes rather than make an incorrect judgement.
10.    Priorities – Do your words and actions match?  Do you say that your family is the most important thing in your life but then find that you are not spending time with them?  What are you investing in with time, energy and money?  I sure hope it isn’t just social media posts!

Seriously consider the ten points above and identify which (if any) of them are stealing your desire and action.  Then put a plan in place to prevent future problems.

Before you know it – procrastination will be a thing of the past!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice.   Visit  www.LindaHancock.com  or email her at  office@drlindahancock.com.