How to embrace procrastination and move towards the success you desire.

What is procrastination and why does it happen?

?

Procrastination is the delaying or postponing of something and affects just about everyone from all walks of life and all ages, it can be very difficult to shake off when it takes hold and is often referred to as the Doom loop effect, as it can leave you feeling as if you are going round in circles, it can and does inhibit your work and can also stop you going after what you want.

?

These 5 practical steps will help you embrace procrastination as a learning curve, lessen the fears and anxieties and get you bridging any gaps you need to fill.

?

?This is a fact!

?

We are ruled by our emotions, recent research has proven all decisions are emotion based and this can make procrastination worse So it's important to take a practical and considered approach if you find yourself in this situation, as this helps to alleviate some of the anxiety or emotions around a particular problem.

?

1.???? The first step to stop procrastinating over something is to change your self-talk, saying you are not going to procrastinate doesn’t really work, because you will gravitate towards the very thing you are trying to change.? So instead of saying this just decide to sit down and look at this problem. This moves you into action mode.

?

2.???? As with many things it's good to get it out of your head and either talk it through with someone or write down the problem, including any obstacles, challenges, potential solutions. I find a web diagram very useful as it helps me look at things through many lenses. You could use your journal to do this.

?

3.???? When we procrastinate, we often catastrophize the issue, but the real problem is recognising that there is usually a gap from where you are to where you want to be, but all you can think about is the end goal. To stop this cycle what needs to happen is that you break down the issue into small bitesize tasks, taking mini steps to get you closer to your target. This is an important step because by doing this you are consciously making things easier and more achievable.? This really does help to break the doom loop as it is called because all of sudden the issue has shrunk in size; it's just about moving from a-b-c rather than going straight to z.

?

4.???? Once you have identified the problem and written down the small steps you need to take then this next step is the most important because it is about action. Remember all decisions are emotion based so this may cause some kind of emotional response, if this happens simply acknowledge the feelings and then get to the first task on your list. Make sure you put on your practical head and just get going.

?

5.???? Set up a structured plan to help you stay on track the SMART goal planner could be used to guide you through this journey. But you often find the first step is the hardest and when this task is complete you will feel more empowered to continue, as you realise things are not as bad as was first conceived. To lighten the mood if you feel disheartened midway through, take a small break and try to make it fun, think of a reward to give yourself if you do this task today or tomorrow and make sure you celebrate and do reward yourself as this is an acknowledgement to self and your brain that you are in charge. This stops self -limiting beliefs getting a hook on your sub conscious, which can start the cycle to begin again. These small steps help you break free and also move you to a position of strength.

?I am Donna a business coach and mentor. Ping the bell at the top of my profile to keep up today with my posts and remember. You are not alone.

If you would like to get my free resources and join my mailing list, I assure you, you won't get bombarded but you will receive high quality information and tips for building your business. If this would help get my FREE guide on how to attract clients long term.

If you are finding yourself in the doom loop cycle of procrastination and it really is holding you back from achieving the success you desire, then DM and we can find a way through this together.

?