How to STOP Procrastinating

We all procrastinate to some degree.  We wait until the dishes pile up before we wash them, complete work very last minute, or wait so long to cook dinner that we inevitably eat out.  Why do we procrastinate?   

Neil Fiore poses an interesting opinion about procrastination.  He states in his book The Now Habit that procrastination is not the problem, it is an attempt to resolve underlying issues.  The issues include perfectionism, indecisiveness, an imbalance of work and play, and having a negative concept about work. Like writing on a wall, the reasons why were clear for me to identify and fight. 

This month, I tackled procrastination with work and at home chores that are caused by negativity.  I struggle to do administrative tasks such as responding to emails and doing chores around the house.   The thought of starting would bring overwhelming feelings and a sense of deprivation (all work, no play).  Once I realized it was my negative concept of work causing my procrastination, I changed two words I always say and practiced the habit of starting.  

Whenever I was ready to start a chore or sit down at the computer to work, I said "I get to" instead of "I have to". I get to write lessons and check email.  It is a privilege to have a job and be able to teach in a unique time.  I get to work on the yearbook and many students will be able to look back on their fond memories.   I get to clean the bathroom.  I am so thankful to have a home to live in.  The shift in the three words shifts my perspective and attitude.

Overcoming the mental hurdle is the first step and practicing the start is next.  It sounds too simple but how often do I stand at the starting line of the race to finish a task.  I wait for the right time, wait until I feel like it, or wait until I have no choice and the gun fires.  

No more waiting.  I have a meeting with myself first thing in the morning and speak out loud the most mentally draining item on my list. “Today I will finish the senior pages in the yearbook”.  Then, I call my robot assistant Alexa to set the timer for thirty minutes and begin.  Even if I only work for thirty minutes, it sets a habit of starting and completing the most mentally exhausting task every day and realizing it wasn’t so bad after all.  

Two simple actions are helping me to overcome the hold procrastination has on my life.  The next time you have the urge to procrastinate, think about the reason why you are procrastinating. Use your knowledge of the reason, fight it with a plan, and practice getting in the habit of starting. 

Practice on Friends, 

  

I am Just a Procrastinator... but is that WHO I AM?

Habits go beyond the process and strategies.  The more I study habits the clearer it becomes that psychology, personality, and tendency also play a large role.

Reading Atomic Habitsby James Clear highlighted a concept that I never considered when it comes to building habits.  IDENTITY.  His premise is that habits and behavior begin with identity. “Your current habits are simply a reflection of your current identity.” If you identify as someone who is healthy, you’ll most likely have habits and desires to build habits that correlate with a healthy lifestyle.  The majority of time you will eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and take your gummy vitamins.  

When I was reading in the Old Testament, the story of Moses showed

the concept of identity and action. God was telling Moses to go back to Egypt so he can free the Israelites and in Exodus 3:19-20 God says:

“But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand forces him.  So, I will raise my hand and strike the Egyptians, performing all kinds of miracles among them.  Then at last he will let you go.  And I will cause the Egyptians to look favorably on you.  They will give you gifts when you go so you will not leave empty-handed.”

God tells Moses exactlyhow it will play out AND the outcome of all the events.  What was his response?  

But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me?” Exodus 4:1

God was telling Moses that he is a speaker and a leader (and even if he wasn’t a good one yet God was going to help him).  Moses was held back by fear, his limited belief of God’s power, and his own idea of who he was.  He did not identify as a leader or a speaker so he continually doubted and made excuses.  Stop procrastinating Moses and pack your bags!

The concept of identity and action made me look at my own life and the habit I am fine tuning this month which is planning.  Why does planning come in waves?  What identities have I taken on that allow me to make excuses for behavior that I can change? 

1. I am just a procrastinator.

2. You know me, always late.

3. I am forgetful

I know I will procrastinate, be late, and forget many times in life but I truly believe that this is the person I am.  I have avoided learning ways to plan work, manage my time, and consistently keep a calendar for my family because that’s just not who I am.  LIES.  The truth is I don’t identify as someone who is a planner, prompt, and good with time management.  The truth is I may not be good at planning doesn’t mean I am not a planner.  

REFLECTION

1. What type of person do you want to be?

2. What lies or excuses do you make that prevent you from learning and becoming that person?