Procrastination! Yes….I know that this is the biggest hurdle between a huge success and me.
But somehow, I was not able to solve this problem. So, I decided to take help of our own Google for the probable reasons for me.
What I found?
Some very obvious reasons,
1)Fear of failure
2)Fear of unexpected/Unpleasant outcome
3)Not Feeling Good Today
4)Unpleasant task
5)No motivation
6)Feeling Overwhelmed by the task
7)No Goal
It is quite possible that you are going through one of those. But, As far as my problem is concerned…My task was very unpleasant, as well as I was feeling overwhelmed by the task (To get any reasonable success). I had a goal for myself which was related with the task. I know that i am quite able of doing that task very easily, so there is no question as such like, fear of failure.
But yes, sometimes I had this feeling that “today I am not feeling well, so I’ll do it tomorrow”.
Then What should I do?
Again I asked Google to give me an answer.
What I got is…I had a goal…But not very clear and certainly not clear about how I am going to achieve that goal.
I’ll share an example with you.
I had a website, for which I should write content. But the niche of the site was not related with something I know very well. I know that if I do some serious research and come out with valuable content for my readers then It is likely that I will achieve my desired goal.
I need to write around 50 good quality articles on certain keywords. But due to the unpleasant nature of task, as well as the numbers i.e. 50 were a overwhelming number for me.
So then, what I did?
I request you to please give some attention now!
I decided to write down my goal on my whiteboard which was right in front of my table, where I work.
Like “50 Article in 50 Day”
Decided to make a real effort of writing only one article a day. (Only one task at a time)
After writing my goal, I also written the Good emotional outcome which will be areality, when I’ll complete that task. Along with the “Bad emotional outcome” if I had not completed the task.
Good Things:
I will have around 5×50=250 good quality backlinks for my website which will result around 50 visits per day after 3-4 months. This will create a passive monthly income of around 100-150 dollars. (This was possible for my niche)
I can easily imagine myself that I’ll be able to achieve this goal. My plans were to then create around 10 more such sites which will pay the monthly payment of my car loan, as well as a new dress every month.
Bad things:
I will be feeling very bad that I have again proved myself that I can not achieve something big and substantial in my life. I will not be able to purchase my new car.
This was my way of “Eating my elephant with taking small bites daily”.
So, what you should do?…If you are suffering with this problem of procrastination.
1)Admit yourself…That procrastination is the problem for you.
2)Find out what is your reason or reasons to procrastinate.
3)Have a clear long term as well as short term goal.
4)You are the only one who is aware of your emotional state after getting success or failure in achieving your goal. Write those emotional triggers on whiteboard. Reward yourself after getting each success. (Like I rewarded myself with a brand new car).
5)Whenever, your mind ask you to procrastinate…tune yourself to the bad emotional state, you will be in… if you will procrastinate.
6)Have a To do list in front of your work station.
7)Don’t even try to overload yourself with other related tasks which have lesser priorities. Focus on your main task.
We all are humans….forgive yourself, if you are procrastinating till now. I feel that finding solution to this major problem will result in grand success in our life. So…Find it Now.
The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play
