When considering our New Year Resolutions, many of us pledge to make a few desirable changes.  I often wonder just how many of us, will in fact, follow through. Are you able to create a strong mindset and summon a well-organised practice into a daily schedule? Countless people believe they can, and may do this. However, more often procrastination sets in and many of our good intentions fall by the wayside.

Almost habitually, we surrender to the power of procrastination. We know its presence well and many of us recognise its dominant strength.  We may even appreciate how it tricks us into careless submission. Yet on some level, we allow it to return repeatedly, to reign supreme and generate complete havoc in our lives. Strange how outwardly intelligent people can repeat unhealthy behaviours, ones that never deliver the outcomes they want. However, when procrastination runs the show, our self-esteem weakens and something contradictory takes place within our confident sense of self.

So how do we define and understand procrastination? The Oxford Dictionary outlines procrastination as “the action of delaying or postponing something.” Are you familiar with this definition? Does this description appear to resonate at times in your life? Unfortunately, without a sense of purpose and nothing of interest to stimulate and shape our thinking, we are all a little below par.

We need purpose and structure to feel fully alive. Positive, purposeful actions are good for our mind; they lift our spirit and provide substance for our soul. Dowrick, S, (2005). Society rewards ambitious people and we all become caught in the tempting trap of success related to high achievement in the workplace. It is vital to examine the life you are creating. Does it include a suitable balance?  When life becomes top heavy with work responsibilities, it is little wonder that procrastination becomes the key focus, and we surrender to its call.

Set some time aside to reflect on your life’s sense of balance. Does it need some attention? We all respond willingly to accountability when we have free time. Prearrange time to enjoy the things you love to do. Schedule in some healthy space to be with the people you love. Balance will always remind us of the true meaning and purpose in our life. It keeps us humble, relaxed and gratified.

If you feel procrastination has taken a hold on your life, here are some ideas that may be helpful.

Revisit a time when you faced the influence of procrastination, and managed to stand up to it. What worked? Could you adopt some of those useful strategies at this time? As you reflect on things, write them down. All successful people plan on paper; do not leave important things to chance or to your memory. There are many important things to contemplate today; it is hardly fair to ask your memory to do all the work for you.

Look around to see how other people handle and manage procrastination. What can you learn from them? We live in an age where researching the ideas of celebrated, capable and successful people is easy and uncomplicated.  Illustrious people love to share ideas on what worked for them, so take the time to observe and carefully appropriate some of their guidelines.

Remind yourself that procrastination arises from stress. When we decide to add new behaviors to our life, it may be time to let go of some of the old ways of being. Which undertaking no longer serves you? Are you willing to let this go? “If it doesn’t add to your life, it does not belong in your life”.

Check to see if perfectionism could be getting in the way. Many people believe they have to be perfect before they begin any anything new. Perfectionism is a good friend of procrastination, so beware of its agenda. Seriously, do you know anybody who is perfect at everything they attempt?

Accept the fact that some tasks are very demanding.  Some tasks do need more planning than others. However, when we set aside time to plan the steps required, often things become simpler and less stressful. Breaking things down into small pieces means you can work on the important parts first. Keep in mind that as humans, we like doing the enjoyable parts of the activity, and as such, we leave the weighty parts until the due date. Complete what is required, on time, whether you enjoy it or not. You may be pleasantly surprised at the positive result you create.

Therefore, my friends do not wait to feel inspired. Get going and begin today. Remember, even a small step in the right direction can make the world of difference. Guess what! Procrastination may even take a backseat, and you could be well on your way to enjoying your peaceful heart.

Yours in Therapy,

Jill Bayly.

References.

Dowrick, S. (2005).  Choosing Happiness, Life and Soul Essentials. A Sue Hunt book. Allen and Irwin. Crows Nest. 2065 NSW Australia.

Oxford Dictionary. Publisher: Oxford University Press Print Publication Date: 2010 Print ISBN-13: 9780199571123 Published online: 2010 Current Online Version: 2015 DOI.