Unmasking Procrastination

Procrastination is an intriguing adversary. It doesn't always appear as the apparent delay in action; often, it's the quiet lull before the storm, lurking subtly in the corners of pride and achievement.

A startling observation emerges from my conversations with numerous leaders: about half of them remain blissfully unaware that procrastination is their silent saboteur. What's more interesting is that while a staggering 90% take pride in their achievements – rightfully so – when I nudge them to assess their journey in the context of their end goals, the shine of that pride often dims.

Let's delve into a real-world example. I'm mentoring a client who recently landed a position in his dream company: a commendable feat. Yet, a hint of hesitance crept in when I probed deeper, asking him about his standing amongst his elite peers. He acknowledged being part of the world's crème de la crème and desired to enhance his stature. But had he initiated any steps towards this aspiration? The answer was a resounding "not yet." Isn't this procrastination, too?

Most perceive procrastination as a blatant deferral of tasks, like postponing a certification or updating a resume. However, it's the procrastination that worsens within the realms of our pride, the delays in introspection and self-enhancement, that extract a heftier toll.

Here lies the crux of my message: It's not just about the evident tasks we put off; it's about the imperceptible delays in our mindset and our internal growth. Being aware of these can be challenging. Some leaders possess the introspective depth to identify these barriers independently. Others might benefit from an external perspective, a "third eye" to highlight areas of unintentional stalling.

It's not about instilling fear or doubt but about fostering awareness. By understanding the nuanced ways procrastination manifests, leaders can be better equipped to combat it, ensuring a journey that's not just filled with pride but also consistent progression towards their true north.

?Empowering others starts with sharing knowledge. If this piece strikes a chord with you, I would like you to tap that 'like' button and share it widely. Together, we can inspire change and progress in others’ lives.