Overcoming Procrastination

Most of us want to live fulfilling lives, meeting our deadlines and having the feeling that we have achieved something significant at the end of each day.

What is procrastination?

It is putting things off, delaying or deferring an action to a later date. Procrastination not only prevents achieving goals, but often involves feelings of guilt, inadequacy, stress, anger towards self and even depression.

When asking people why they procrastinate, most people say it's because they are lazy. This is not the real reason, as even the worst procrastinators have motivation and energy in some areas of their lives. Understanding and identifying the real reasons why you procrastinate will help you in solving procrastination.

So why do you procrastinate?

It's different for everybody but generally it is because:

• You want to avoid doing something you don't like.
• There's not enough time.
• There's a lack of motivation.
• You feel that the task is too difficult and you are overwhelmed by it.
• There is a fear of starting something new.
• There are lots of distractions.
• You are not sure you have chosen a worthy project and keep changing your goals.
• You put yourself down and think about yourself negatively.
• You are a perfectionist. You can never finish a project and have unrealistic standards.

How can a life coach help you to overcome procrastination?

A life coach will help you understand the root of your procrastination and develop strategies to move you past this stage. By identifying the reasons behind your procrastination, you can develop a plan of action to end your frustration and to replace it with a motivational attitude you can stick to.

In a nutshell, a life coach will help you:

• Understand why you procrastinate.
• Highlight the importance of quality work and quality relaxation/play.
• Identify how you relate to yourself - how many times do you use 'have to', 'should do', 'I am useless'?
• Identify feelings of powerlessness and fear.
• Set clear goals and find out what YOU (not your mother, your boss or your partner) really want .
• Keep track of time.
• Commit yourself to something you know you can and want to achieve.
• Stop being distracted by other things (magazine, internet surfing, social networking websites etc...)
• Learn to distinguish what is important.
• Turn frustration into achievement.
• Stop delaying completion of reports because you are worried they are not perfect.
• Take responsibility for your actions - or lack of them.
• Believe in yourself.
• Give yourself permission to live, contribute and enjoy life.
• Overcome hurdles.

Procrastination is a habit. With my help, you will discover the reasons why work and actions are not flowing naturally from you. Together we will remove the blockages that are preventing you from achieving your dreams.

If you are serious about reducing or removing procrastination from your life then please contact me to arrange a complementary session.

'People become successful the minute they decide to.'

Harvey Mackay