Why does one procrastinate?
After contemplating on this topic for quite some time, I’ve come to realize that the main reason we defer to go after meaningful goals (regardless of how big or small) is due to a deep rooted sense of fear within.
Fear of failure. Fear of embarrassment. Fear of what others will think.
We’ve previously discussed
-why failing is good as well as how to rewire our brain and thoughts about fear.
-that most of the time the worst possible outcome for any situation is typically nowhere near as extreme as you subconsciously make it out to be.
-to stop caring so much about other people’s opinions about your decisions as well as their overall thoughts concerning you.
However, fear still lurks inside of the mind each time courage is built up and potential action is deliberated.
So what does it take to not just retain the information you’ve been provided with, but actually apply and implement it to truly kick any form of procrastination or excuses to the curb for good?
By slowly taking it one step at a time, bit by bit, you can begin to chip away at the big scary monster that you’ve built up inside of your head known as fear.
F the BS: Kick this shit to the curb already!
1 – What’s your main goal?
Write it down on a piece of paper or type it out on your computer.
2 – What’s a realistic deadline of achieving this goal? (don’t be lenient here, but also try to remain rational)
This is important, as without a deadline you’ll just revert back to your old ways.
Make this large and bolded. Maybe in a different color.
3 – Chop up your goal into small steps
Take the time to write and break down your goal into tiny parts. It doesn’t matter if you only know the first few ideas, as this will help put you on the proper path to discovering future steps.
This also helps prevent you from getting overwhelmed.
4 – Take the time to mentally visualize attaining your goal
Even if it’s just for a minute each day, take a moment to visually see yourself achieving your aspirations. Try to literally feel the success that would come with turning your idea into a reality. Think about positive emotions your loved ones would permeate when celebrating this remarkable accomplishment with you.
5 – Hold yourself accountable
Make deadlines within your overall deadline and hold yourself to them. If this is too difficult, appoint a family or friend to check up on you to ensure you remain on track. Give them permission to be stern and remind yourself that they are doing it out of love if you ever start to feel negative emotions towards them.
6 – Be happy with the small wins
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Even if your goal is still far from being obtained, enjoy the small victories on your path to success. These quick wins are what helps to build momentum and the positive energy necessary to continue powering through any roadblocks that step in your way.
By putting these few steps into motion, you’re mapping out a plan on paper and visually within your mind. This allows you to visibly see the course that you must take to fulfill your dreams.
At this point, if you want it enough, you will take the action needed to go after and get them!
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone” – Pablo Picasso