We are all procrastinators. Either consciously or
subconsciously we delay, stall and put off various tasks
that will make a positive difference in our lives.
Procrastinating can be a learned trait from our parents or
derived at birth. Habits are very hard to change without a
conscious, deliberate action taken on our part.
Traditionally, procrastination has been associated with
perfectionism, a tendency to negatively evaluate outcomes
and one's own performance. It is an intense fear and
avoidance of judgment of your abilities by others.
Heightened social self-consciousness, anxiety, recurrent
low moods, and workaholism are the results of compulsory
procrastination.
So how did we get into this mess? Procrastination is like
any other habit. Our daily routine tends to be the same if
we are not aware of the habits that this can create. We all
seek pleasure in our lives. Most every action we take on a
daily basis is done to avoid pain, save time, save money
and increase pleasures.
We create a false sense of pleasure by talking ourselves
out of walking, weight loss blunders, job searches and
relationship issues with procrastination. It feels good to
tell ourselves, "I will start this in the morning so I can
go to the park this afternoon with my kids." Unfortunately,
this is temporary. It is also fatal. This procrastination
leads to more stress. More stress leads to more
procrastination to stop the pain. The cycle feeds on
itself. The good news is exercise and better fitness lower
our stress levels drastically.
I read a quote that in summary says, "Yesterday is a
canceled check with tomorrow an IOU but today is tasks at
hand." Read that line again! The most precious asset we all
have is time. No one has more than you. We only have today
as a promise on this earth. Stop putting off your dreams
and desires by procrastinating. So how do I do that you ask?
First, dig deep into your soul. No one else has to know
what you are feeling inside. Why are you putting this goal
off? Are you a perfectionist? Are you doing the right
weight lifts or aerobic steps? Do you think if it is not
absolutely perfect it does not count? That is farthest from
the truth.
Break down the goal or task into many small manageable
actions. Do not try to lose 50 pounds, go to the gym every
day, and eat 45% less food all in one month. This is not
reasonable. Start by only having 1 soda a day instead of 3.
Switch from 2% milk to 1% milk for a month. After a month
switch to skim milk. You will get use to it and the habit
of drinking high fat content milk is over.
You must create new habits. New habits take 21 days on
average to form. If you take on too drastic a change at
first, the 21 days will become your nightmare in life.
Also, a friend or family member will help the days go by
much faster via motivation.
Get mad! Emotions are the most powerful driving force in
our lives. Admit to yourself that we all buy products, eat
foods and relate to others by emotions. We will justify the
actions in some logical way but the emotions drive our
actions. "I am fed up with dieting and weight loss
products" is a great emotional statement that will create
action.
Tell other people what you are going through. Tell them
your plans to stop the habit. Do not be embarrassed. They
too have their own demons and secrets. Many times they will
ask you to help them or join them to conquer
procrastination together. Holding each other accountable
for stopping procrastination is another powerful habit
changing action.
Finally, momentum is the key. Momentum is an action moving
fast that will not stop easily once the driving forces
(you) starts the pushing. It is much easier to keep the
procrastination demon at bay when the daily habits of
actions and thoughts take hold. This is where other people
are important to your success with procrastination. They
will push you and coach you because they want you to do the
same for them.
Procrastination, like many other habits, is easily broken
when it is replaced by a new habit. New habits take time,
effort and energy. You did not learn procrastination
overnight and it does take 21 days to break that habit.
Make today the defining point in your life to stop
procrastination and get in shape for the body you want now.
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