For a while now, I’ve been listening to my clients as they share their struggles with procrastination.
It’s a common thing, right?
I’ve often wondered if there’s more to it than meets the eye and maybe we shouldn’t be too quick to label it as a villain.
Here’s a fancy word for you: “pejoration.” It’s when a word starts off all nice and neutral but eventually turns into a bad guy. “Procrastination” seems to have gone down that road.
When someone says, “I need to stop procrastinating,” it’s typically with a sense of frustration, implying that delaying work is a big problem
But what if, just maybe, procrastination isn’t always the enemy? What if it’s our mind’s way of dropping hints? Like, “Hey, slow down, something’s up.” It could be saying we need more time to think or your sub-conscious is realising something that isn’t quite as apparent or that the task might be more expensive than we think.
Most of us know, and have experienced, that when life gets tough, we’ve got three natural responses—fight, flight, and freeze.
- Fight: That’s when you’re all like, “Bring it on, I’ll face this head-on.”
- Flight: When trouble’s brewing, you want out… fast.
- Freeze: You’re stuck, like a deer in headlights, not sure which way to turn.
These are just our natural reactions to life’s curveballs.
I’ve come to view procrastination as a form of the “freeze” response, although it leans toward the milder end of the spectrum. It’s like a mental pause button, telling us to dig deeper.
Here’s what I’ve gathered from this view:
- Understanding:
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- Take a Break: Step away from the chaos, clear your head, and figure out what’s really bugging you about the task.
- Planning:
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- Set Smaller Goals: Chop your tasks into bite-sized bits. It’s less overwhelming.
- Taking Action:
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- Start Anywhere: Don’t wait for the stars to align; just make a move. Ask yourself, “What’s the smallest step I can take?” and do it.
- Seek Support: Share your goals with someone who can give you that gentle nudge.
- Celebrate Progress: Even if you don’t finish the whole thing, pat yourself on the back for the little wins.
- Practice: Keep at it, you learn best by doing.
- Be Patient: Sometimes, the slow route gets you there just fine.
Instead of seeing procrastination as a villain or a roadblock, let’s treat it as a sign that we’re on a journey of self-discovery and growth. So, go easy on yourself; it’s all part of the ride.
It’s okay to take a breather; just don’t let it keep you stuck.
Procrastination doesn’t have to be the bad guy; it can be a stepping stone toward something amazing you didn’t think about before.
If you want some personalised help with your procrastination battles, why not book a free Discovery session here: https://calendly.com/marildawiegand/discovery-session
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