One of the things I know about myself is I procrastinate. Procrastination of one of the 3 crazy characters that work in cahoots, and show up as Productivity’s Triple Threat (People Pleasing, Perfectionism and Procrastination).
In this article I wanted to share a perspective on Procrastination that I’ve discovered is true for me and for many of my clients that are high achievers. I wanted to share with you my thinking around it and you may think I am denial – BUT – hear me out!
They are not the type that struggle with motivation, so I love helping my high achievers get unstuck because it can be for a reason. Our job is to work out what is causing the paralysis, over analysis, fear, hesitation to take action, experiencing a potential ‘failure’, or getting back up after a set back, for example.
When does procrastination pop up for me?
So when does it show up for me? When I am deciding what to move forward with. Sounds pretty normal right? I am happy to do stuff – I have no problem getting through stuff. I love work and I feel like I do a lot. Heck I keep on adding things to my to do list….!!! (That’s a topic for another day!), but I wanted to understand – am I selective about what I procrastinate on? Is it hard stuff? Is it stuff that is more fun?
For me – it’s selective procrastination, and in part, it helps me connect with my intuition. I don’t quite hear my intuition, but I’ve worked out for ME – – this is my intuition showing up.
This positive element of procrastination helps me work out which are those unnecessary tasks that I’ve packed onto my to do list. Did I say yes to something that I really wanted to say no to in the first place – HELLO People Pleaser! If I am procrastinating it is a sign to check in – that perhaps moving forward is NOT the right thing to do or I need to rethink my plan.
What’s on your to do list?
The tasks that stay on the list and don’t move forward are ones that I am HESITATING on. I can be hesitating for a host of reasons. This list below includes some useful questions to ask yourself next time you’re hit with procrastination:
- Is it that something doesn’t feel right?
- Do I have enough information?
- Did I say yes when I really wanted to say no?
- Am I unsure of how to move the idea/ project forward?
- Am I not convinced the way I’ve chosen is the right way to go about it?
- Do I need to talk to someone to sound it out?
- Do I have the skill set to do the job – if I am really honest with myself?
- Do I know I have to outsource the task but I’m either not sure who to outsource it to? OR is it that I haven’t let myself relinquish control just yet OR is it I’m NOT confident it will be done how I want/ need it to be done?
- Do I need to document the process clearly so I am more confident?
Once I notice that’s what’s going on, I focus on identifying what aspect of the project or task I am struggling with. I work out what’s the very next thing I could do to get MOVING.
I’ve got this tattooed on my brain – WHAT’S THE VERY NEXT THING I COULD DO TO GET MOVING? Sometimes the very next thing is NOT doing. Sometime the most important thing to do is getting quiet and admitting – heck I really don’t want to do this after all!
Things to Cogitate On
How do you experience procrastination? When does procrastination show up for you? Pause and notice – when does it hit you?
Ask yourself – WHAT’S THE VERY NEXT THING I COULD DO TO GET MOVING? For my high achievers sometimes the very next thing is NOT doing!
Things to Act On
Use the checklist above to notice and get present to the who, what, when, where, why and how of procrastination. When you understand your Productivity’s Triple Threat triggers it makes it so much easier to sit in the driver’s seat – and not let procrastination take over.
Here is how procrastination can be a sign for high achievers to stop, get quiet and listen to your gut:
Narelle Todd – GetMyBookOutThere.com:
I have been in business for 12 years and believe I understand business pretty well. I also know that I need fresh eyes on my business from time to time to help me see opportunities that I have overlooked. I chose Louise D’Allura to help me get unstuck when I recognised that I was not achieving some key business goals in taking my business to the next level.
One session with Louise helped me see where the sticking points were and one idea alone has saved me months of time and thousands of dollars. I was impressed with how Louise combined her business smarts and challenged my beliefs to get to the heart of the issues. I highly recommend Louise D’Allura to proactive small business owners who are serious about moving forward with their business and life.
Free Resources
Stop procrastinating and perfecting, and start doing. If you’re sick of saying “It’s just a busy time. It will get better soon…” grab the Toolkit today (click here) to help you stop overthinking and worrying, get the to do’s out of your head, build your confidence and discover the tools to help you say no, when it is needed.
You’ll receive a 7 minute info-rich lesson, complete with worksheets, from my signature program – WELL Productivity®. In this lesson I share my personal weekly planning system I share with my high performing clients, plus immediately-useable tactics, techniques and tools to help you find clarity and decide on clear action steps to start you moving forward.