How to Defeat Procrastination

Dear Friend,

       Procrastination is often called the "silent killer" of our hopes and dreams. I agree that procrastination is deadly. However, it is easier to defeat than you may think.

       When most people procrastinate, they chastise themselves for being undisciplined or plain lazy. They pressure themselves for action before resolving the emotional conflict within.

       When mentally tough people procrastinate, they do not self-criticize. Instead, they listen to what the procrastination is telling them. They understand that their resistance has a rational source.

       Maggie: Overcoming Writer's Block

       An intelligent young graduate student name Maggie attended my seminar with the goal of finishing her thesis, which was due in 32 days.

       Maggie had been procrastinating for weeks and assumed her problem was lack of discipline. She kept making up writing schedules and trying to adhere to them, which motivated her for a day or two at most.

       Eventually, she fell into a mild depression, which led to her to watch T.V. more often than write.

       I asked Maggie to close her eyes and imagine writing her thesis. After a few moments she reported feeling 'uncomfortable.' I said, 'Bring a sharper observeration to the feeling. What is it?'

       She replied, 'Inadequacy. My topic is too broad in scope. Based on my research, it cannot be adequately covered in one thesis. Even my supervisor agrees it's extremely broad.' Maggie opened her eyes and smiled. She had finally touched the source of her helplessness and procrastination: uneasiness about her topic.

       The very next day, Maggie scheduled a meeting with her supervisor to discuss a narrower scope for her thesis.

Mental Toughness Lesson

       Often when you procrastinate, it's because the task you're avoiding makes you feel inadequate or helpless. This is the very definition of stress: your challenge exceeds your resources.

       The key is to pinpoint why you feel helpless, and then develop yourself so you have sufficient resources to master the challenge.

Here are some basic questions you can pose when procrastination strikes:

- Is there knowledge or skill you need to acquire?
- Would planning or negotiating help?
- Do you need more resources (time, money, people)? If so, what conversations do you need to have to get them?

        If you answer these questions with ruthless honesty, you will know immediately how to defeat your procrastination.

I'll talk to you again soon.

Your friend,
Lisa