Let’s talk procrastination. Let’s get real.
Lately the topic around here has been about getting things done and making things happen. I’m inspired by recent conversations with others who are finishing degrees, organizing big-thinking conferences, expanding their organizations nation wide, training for marathons or raising their children to be bilingual . Goals were set, plans were made, action was taken and serious projects are being completed!
What about those that talk and talk about projects but can’t seem to pull the trigger? They are too busy … overwhelmed … waiting for the right moment and circumstances. Or are they just putting it off until tomorrow? It may appear that they have all the time in the world and tomorrow is always a better day to get started.
What is the difference between the two groups? One major difference could be procrastination.
Procrastinate (verb) – to put off till another day or time; defer; delay.*
The cycle of procrastination kinda goes like this …
I’ll get to this soon. It’s not due tomorrow.
I should at least start but I’ve got so many other things to do right now.
Once I get A, B, and C done, I’ll take a break and then get started. At least I have a plan now.
OMG another late night! I will NEVER do this again. Next time, I’ll start early and do a little a time.
And then it begins again next time.
How do I know? Because I do it too. Procrastinating isn’t free you know. It has cost me potential jobs, missing details, making mistakes, more time because I made a mistake and have to start over and credibility – that’s the hardest to ever get back. Doesn’t sound fun does it?
I have too many important projects going on to get not stay in action or stay focused. At the beginning of the year there is a lot of information about starting the year off right. I revisited an article from Being Latino, an online Latino lifestyle magazine, Start Now!! Guidance for procrastinators. (read the full article for details)
From that article, here are Luna Garcia’s four steps to start now:
- Check your motives.
- Take back control.
- Stop self sabotage.
- Punish/reward yourself.
It may not be the beginning of the year but it’s the beginning of the last 6 months of the year. Have you revisited your goals for this year? What are you putting off for tomorrow that you could do today?
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*Source: Dictionary.com
