Procrastination is almost a way of life for many people, but it’s hard to know exactly why people procrastinate.
When people procrastinate, they are usually putting off doing something that will be a benefit, but for some reason there is more energy put forth to put off the task than to do it. This is a very bad habit and is one reason many people do not achieve their dreams.
Procrastination is an easy way of putting off goals and dreams for another time; goals and dreams that you want to come true, but something is holding you back.
There may be a subconscious fear of failure, or a fear of change that is stronger than the goal of success.
If you want success badly enough you will face your fears and decide to start immediately doing those things you have put off for so long.
Here’s the quickest way to get started:
First, make a list of all the things you need to do that you have been putting off, you probably have this “to-do-list” already drafted in your office.
Then, go to a quiet place where you will not be interrupted for about 20 minutes. Go through each item on the list and write down your excuse(s) for not having completed the task already.
Maybe there is a money problem, or you do not think you have enough education or the proper qualifications.
Whatever it is, just write it down and do not worry about how it will be resolved right now.
Next, go through the list again and write down the benefits you currently enjoy because you are procrastinating on these tasks.
Yes, you are receiving a benefit for not doing the task; otherwise you would have done it by now.
For example, if you wrote down that you do not have enough education, then the benefit you are receiving right now by not getting an education is that you have more money than you would if you were spending it on school.
Another benefit of this same item is that you have more time to do what you want, instead of spending it in school. Remember the old saying “time is money.”
Are you really making enough money in your current position to make it worth the time spent there?
Finally, look at all the reasons you have listed as excuses for procrastinating, and the benefits you are receiving.
Do these still make sense?
This is the time to sit down again and make a plan – a plan that you will stick to and not put off for any longer. Now, is the time to make a “to do” list that you will actually do!
First, while they are still in your thoughts, quickly write down a list of things you will do to make your dreams a reality.
Then, go through the list again and put them in the order you will do them (example: Do you need to get a loan before you can go to college?) Also, write down the date that you will complete each item.
Now, that you have your work cut out for you in a manageable way, go out and make your dreams come true!
