The most effective way to do it, is to do it…

We all procrastinate from time to time. Sometimes it’s those mundane things - like sorting through old files, reconciling accounts, or tidying the linen cupboard. But often it’s the bigger things that require more time, more commitment, and put us at more risk of failing, looking foolish or feeling emotionally bruised. Things like updating our resume to look for a new job, confronting a situation that weighs us down, or pursuing a long held aspiration.

Of course people come up with all sorts of creative reasons why now, today, just isn’t the right time. Too busy. Too broke. Too stressed. Too risky. Too uncertain. Too inexperienced. Too old. Too young. Too disruptive. Occasionally those reasons are valid. But more often they are simply excuses for doing the real work and experiencing the emotional discomfort inherent in making meaningful changes in our work and lives. “I will do it later” is a common syndrome that many people suffer from. If you suffer from this problem, the first thing you have to know is that you are not alone. Laziness and procrastination starts as a habit and eventually builds up into a character and addiction at the end of the day.

At the core of that discomfort is fear. That potent and instinctive emotion whose reason for being is to protect us from pain (including the emotional variety) and urge us away from anything it perceives might threaten our sense of self, injure our pride, or rattle our world. However, left unchecked, those fears can drive us to cling on to the hope that if we procrastinate long enough, our situation will improve, or our misgivings will magically evaporate and be replaced with newfound clarity and courage. As the days roll steadily by, our fears grow larger, not smaller, until they eventually lead to a burial ground for unfulfilled dreams and untapped potential. All the time, our procrastination can exact a steep toll on our finances, career, business, relationships and health. We are loath to admit it, but in electing to put off today what can be done tomorrow, we inadvertently sell out on our happiness – both today, and in the many tomorrows that comprise our future

We tell ourselves that ‘one day’ we will be ready to make a change, or take a chance; that ‘one day’ the timing will be better, our confidence stronger, our circumstances easier. But one bad thing about this type of addiction is that it makes you an underachiever; while your mates are climbing the ladder of success, building business empires and making good money for themselves; you will still be struggling at the bottom of the ladder and deluding yourself into believing that things are going to change miraculously someday. Below are ways to end procrastination and start into action:

Write down your goal and give yourself a deadline. A goal without a deadline can be put off indefinitely.

Break your goal into small pieces. The bigger your goal or the change you want to make, the more quickly it can send you into overwhelm. So if your goal feels daunting, break it into manageable, bite-sized steps. Remember, you don’t have to know every step of the way; just the next few steps immediately ahead. Your next steps will become obvious as you move along.

Visualize the future you want. Imagine the emotions you will feel. Picture yourself in a favorite place celebrating what you’ve accomplished. Imagine those who love you most celebrating your success.

Harness fear. Fear is a powerful emotion that can keep us mired in excuses. Yet, by focusing on what you don’t want, you can harness it in your favor. Be brave and really honest with yourself about the cost of continued inaction. After all, if nothing changes, nothing changes.

Build accountability. Enlist a support team or an accountability partner to help keep you focused and on track. Set up a time to check-in regularly and let them know ways in which they can help. For instance, to remind you of past accomplishments, and why you set about making these changes in the first place.

Reward progress. Set up a reward system to ensure you celebrate progress and small successes as you go along. Whether a fun activity with friends, or a treat for yourself, make it something that acknowledges your progress and effort.

Act bravely daily. Starting today. Building momentum is crucial as you start out. So commit to stepping out of your comfort zone at least once per day. Beginning today - before your fear-laden excuses, disguised as sheer laziness, kick in again. It can be something really small. After all, it doesn’t matter how fast you are going, so long as you are stepping forward in a direction that inspires you. So take that first step, then another, then another… after all - life rewards action!

Stop thinking, start doing. Sometimes we end up thinking about something so much that we’re literally exhausted from it and don’t have the energy to take action. Don’t over plan. Don’t over think. Don’t wonder all day. Do something. Sometimes the most important thing is simply to get started.

Stop hanging out with lazy people. Laziness is contagious. If you hang out with people who don’t care about making a difference, guess what? You won’t either. Find people who are passionate about making an impact. Can’t find those people in real life? Find virtual role models. That’s the beauty of social media nowadays.

Get moving, literally. When you work out, your endorphins will kick in, you’ll feel happier and something magic will happen. You’ll realize one key thing that will kick start your motivation: If you can get through the pain of working out, what else can you do? Suddenly it’ll feel like the possibilities are endless.

Enforce habits. It’s easy to set a lofty goal. Vague goals can often lead to laziness because you can’t hold yourself accountable to them. It’s much better to enforce micro goals and habits.

Procrastination is a Habit. Putting off doing something usually starts by putting off just one thing you know you should do. However, procrastinating can soon turn into a habit so that you end up being completely indecisive and never end up doing anything meaningful or challenging which would increase your self-confidence. As with any habit, it’s important to set an action plan within an achievable time frame and work towards that in stages, rewarding yourself at the accomplishment of each stage. Realize that you and only you have taken on the responsibilities of achieving your goals and that there are both positive and negative consequences depending on whether or not you achieve them.