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Tips to
End Procrastination
Procrastinating was an issue for me for part of my life. When incorporating
my own business over a decade ago, I made the choice to end this oppressive
habit. Like a turtle pulling into its shell, putting tasks or projects
off slows your success. You are standing still as the world passes
you by!
Fascinating
to hear in a personal growth seminar that the habit of procrastination
is actually an unconscious choice to "punish" yourself. That hit
me as such an unloving choice! These days I'll joyfully arise at
5:30 a.m. if needed to finish a project. Think of it this way:
If I put it off maybe I do not want to "win" at an unconscious
level. So I stay stuck in the mud of fear or self-pity when I procrastinate.
How
do we end this habit?
- Understand
the psychology of what is happening. Over-ride it with
conscious choice. When we value ourselves and recognize that
what we do, say, create, and offer "matters" to our colleagues,
business, and families, your motivation will increase.
- Break
it into chunks. If a project is large or feels overwhelming,
I break it into stages. We produced last fall a 40-page anniversary
magazine. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I created a mock
up and got excited! Then I categorized the book into sections.
This beautiful book came together with elegance and ease.
- Ask
for Help. Another lesson for me was to understand that
together is better. As self-esteem grows we are comfortable
in asking for help. A great way to ask for what you want is
use the words "are you willing" in the request. If stated this
way, I give the other person permission to make an empowered
choice. Using the "are you willing" statement creates an avenue
for dialogue. This helps us stay clear of "controlling" or
manipulating others. Try it! People love to help one another
when the tenor is friendly and non-threatening.
As women in business, the winners never put off what may be done today.
Remember, if you set a goal and it remains on your do-list week to
week, this begins to diminish your self-esteem. Worse yet, then that
green-eyed monster called Guilt will lurk in the shadow. As our friends
at Nike say: Just do it!
Suzette Scholtes
Suzette Scholtes is honored to serve as a monthly columnist for
Enlightened Practice Magazine, Florida.. She has published in
many national magazines and
published "Yoga Balance" in l996. Her many studies worldwide have earned her
more than 8000 training hours in yoga. Teaching since 1984, the Yoga Studio
of Johnson County was incorporated in 1994. It is now a National Yoga Alliance
Teacher's Training School. She helps each student experience quality of life
by sharing techniques on how to use inner resources for ongoing health and
happiness. Contact her at (9l3) 492-9594.
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