Procrastination - Styles and Strategies for Change

Procrastination is about managing your energy; it's not about managing your time. Otherwise, you could put that task you've been avoiding on your to-do list, prioritize it, and actually get it done. But it doesn't happen that way, does it?

When you're procrastinating, one part of you wants to do that task (because you know that it will help your business) and another part of you wants to not do it. And the not doing part is winning.

The cost is high. On a practical level, your business suffers when you're consistently not accomplishing something important. On an emotional level, you spend a lot of energy avoiding that task and avoiding even thinking about it. Then you feel guilty that you're procrastinating and that eventually cuts into your self-esteem. Ultimately, if you persistently procrastinate about something, you can feel pessimistic and sad, instead of optimistic and happy.
I had a big AHA moment when I realized my main style of procrastination is a perfectionist style; I put off tasks unless I can do them perfectly (I have all the supplies I need, and the right time).

Just knowing my pattern helped me see when I was procrastinating and most importantly, WHY I was procrastinating. With that information, I could think my way around it and finally get something done!

Procrastination Styles :
1. PERFECTIONIST
"Do I put off doing tasks unless I can do them perfectly, or until I can find the perfect time to do them?"
Perfectionists often say "I should do..." or "I have to do...". They endeavor to act in a flawless, mistake-free way. Psychologically, they want to be in control.

2. DREAMER
"Do I think too much about things I'd like to do but rarely get around to doing? Do I think I am special and don't need to do all the things that other people need to do?"

Dreamers are full of ideas and vague about the details. They don't connect their goals to the practical steps that accomplish the goals. They often say "I wish...". They're passive in the way they act and their psychological need is to be viewed as special.

The remaining four types are:

3. WORRIER
"Do I hesitate in taking action that needs to be taken because I fear change?"

4. DEFIER
"Do I tend to do only what I want to do instead of what I should do?"

5. CRISIS-MAKER
"I only get motivated at the last minute! I work best under pressure."

6. OVER-DOER
"Do I commit myself to so many things that I can't find time for many of them?"

Strategies for Change
Here are two strategies that work for all types:

1. All change starts with awareness. The first step is to look at what's happening when you procrastinate.
• When does it happen in your life: what are the circumstances, the triggers?
• How do you think and act during those times?
• What's the cost to you: in time, emotions, energy? How does it affect your relationships?
• How does it benefit you? This part can be hard to admit to. It's important to understand what you've gained by procrastinating. Perhaps it's the comfort of playing small and not taking a risk; perhaps it's a way of passively asserting your priorities or desires over someone else's.

2. Generate more alternatives. When you're procrastinating, you have your own unique and specific way of thinking about the problem, talking about the problem, and avoiding it. The more you can break out of that mental straitjacket, the easier it is for you to act. You'll find the task you've been avoiding suddenly seems less difficult or scary.

Ask yourself:
• How many different ways can I do this?
• How can I make it more fun?
• How can I make it easier?
• Can someone else help me?

Call to Action
Good things happen in your business, and in your life, when you let go of old habits that aren't helping you. And procrastination and perfectionism are two habits that I can guarantee are not helping you!