How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Living
You don’t procrastinate going to the bathroom or answering a colleague who wants to take you to lunch, but you might put off starting an important presentation.
To operate at your best, you need to stop procrastinating.
Why do we procrastinate?
The truth is that procrastination is often a result of our fear of failure. We worry that we won’t live up to our own expectations or the expectations of others, so we put off getting started. And if we never start, we can’t fail, right?
So how do we break the cycle of procrastination?
- Understand why you’re procrastinating. Is it because you’re afraid of failure? Is it because you find the task boring? Once you identify the root cause, you can start to address it.
- Change your self-talk. Instead of saying “I have to do this,” say “When can I start?” This shift in mindset can make all the difference.
- Stop aiming for perfection. Perfectionism can be a toxic mindset. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for progress. Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing.
- Break tasks down into smaller steps. Sometimes a big project can feel overwhelming, so try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can make it easier to get started.
Just start. This may sound simplistic, but sometimes the best way to combat procrastination is to just start. Once you take that first step, it can be easier to keep going.
Now, I want to leave you with a few questions to reflect on
- What tasks do you find yourself procrastinating on the most?
- Why do you think you procrastinate?
- What would happen if you stopped procrastinating and just got started?
- How can you break down bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps?
- What can you do to shift from a mindset of perfectionism to one of progress?
Remember, we’re all guilty of procrastination from time to time. But with a few mindset shifts and practical strategies, we can all operate at our best and achieve our goals.
Yours in progress,
Coach François
