Breaking Your Cycle Of Procrastination

Have you ever told yourself, “I’ll get this sorted in the next quarter when I’m not so busy”?

We’ve all been there. But here’s the hard truth: the way you got this busy now is the same way you’ll still be too busy in three or even six months. Yes, I know you’re different, but I meant the other 8.1 billion people on earth. Everyone thinks they really will be less busy later, but that’s a delusion.

The reality is that nothing changes while we still believe this myth. Only when you recognise and admit to yourself that you have a problem can anything begin to change. Are you open to changing how you think and work? That openness is crucial.

A banner in our office says, “The biggest mistake you can make is to do nothing.” Thinking about taking action isn’t the same as taking action. Only taking action is taking action!

Consider these questions:

  1. What’s the biggest issue or opportunity for you right now that you’re deferring action on?
  2. How would your life or business improve if you took action?
  3. What would need to happen for you to start taking action today, even in a small way?
  4. Why are you hesitant? What concerns are holding you back?
  5. Can you address each concern and find solutions?
  6. Is the outcome important enough to work through these concerns and take action?
  7. How great will you feel when you’ve achieved it?
  8. Who can help me to get started and hold me accountable?

Many people tell me about something they’re procrastinating over, saying, “I know you’ll tell me to stop dithering and just get on with it…” But that’s not quite right. Your reasons for procrastinating are valid thoughts keeping you safe. Instead, I encourage you to consider each concern and find solutions or ask for help. Then take action. Otherwise your monkey brain, which doesn’t think at all and is ruled by FEAR, will keep you safe by not allowing you to make a decision.

Thinking through the issues and finding solutions doesn’t have to take long. The real problem is repeatedly thinking about the problems and doing nothing. Taking action, even on something small, can boost your motivation and set you on a path to achieving more. High performers take action. I believe anyone can be a high performer. Excuses are challenges to overcome.

Action Point:

Ask yourself, “What steps do I need to take to make a decision quickly?” “What help might I need to help me and hold me accountable?” Then take action !