READY TO CRUSH PROCRASTINATION?!
May 15, 2024
Do you remember those water-growing toys we used to play with as kids? They were pure magic, weren't they? Just run some water over them and BAM, they'd quadruple in size! (And if you somehow missed out on them in childhood, don't worry, it's never too late to give it a try!). Projects you procrastinate are like water grow toys in your mind, let me explain.
Let's talk about procrastination. Picture those water-growing toys, but in your mind. Every day you put off starting something—a project, making a call, sending an email—it's like adding water to that task. Gradually, it swells and expands in your mind. The longer it sits on your to-do list, the larger it looms.
Isn't it funny how something that initially seems so simple can morph into this seemingly insurmountable obstacle? But think about it: What was the last task you finally tackled, only to realize it wasn't as daunting as you'd imagined? As humans, we have a knack for overcomplicating things and making wild predictions about how difficult a task will be to accomplish. But once we push past that initial inertia, we often find that it's not so bad after all!
What’s the one thing that keeps showing up on your to-do list each week?
If you find yourself thinking, “Why can’t I just DO IT and get it done already?”--trust me, I see you, and I totally get it. There’s nothing wrong with you. But guess what? It’s time to make it happen, my friend. Today, I’m sharing 6 triggers to your routine and workspace that can help support your FOCUS in taking that all-important first step!
Schedule time in your calendar.
Set a date and time. Treat your task like an appointment, honor the time you set aside for yourself. What gets scheduled, gets done!
Fuel & ADD energy to your workspace.
Pour yourself a glass of water, something to refuel you while you work (in your favorite mug of course). Light a candle, turn on your favorite ambient background music, whatever feels good to you. Be mindful of your physical space, EVERYTHING carries energy!
Remove all distractions.
Quiet the noise and disruption within your control. Set your phone, email, all the socials and notifications to “do not disturb” mode while you work. Close out unnecessary browser tabs, remove anything that will be visually or audibly distracting. Clean and clear your desktop space, piles of papers and files can be noisy distractions!
Write down what you plan to accomplish (BEFORE you start).
What one to three things do you hope to accomplish? Establish a clear agenda for yourself, a roadmap you can refer back to if you get interrupted. Don’t skip this part! A clear set of targets for your work sesh will also help you acknowledge your progress and fuel your motivation!
Employ an energizing practice every 50 minutes (set a timer).
It’s backed by science, studies show that after 50 minutes we begin to lose energy and focus. After 50 minutes of work, stand up, stretch, take a few purposeful breaths, step away for a moment, and give your mind and body a quick reset before diving back in.
Write down where you will pick up next time (get specific, what top 3 things are awaiting you?).
Before you move forward, pause and acknowledge what you've accomplished. You overcame the toughest part: getting started! Where specifically will you pick up and begin again? Schedule your next date/time, having a plan in place before you go will smooth your return.
Remember that conquering procrastination is a journey—one that requires patience, persistence, and a bit of self-compassion along the way. So, the next time you feel resistance creeping in, remember: you have the power to take that first step. Keep moving forward, stay focused, and trust in your ability to make it happen. You've got this! As always, stay open, brave, and on-purpose.
