Make things happen
We are pure genius when it comes to creating excuses to justify why a given task isn’t being done. Procrastination is a common habit for many of us and as human beings, we have a tendency to either put tasks on hold or veer towards avoidance altogether. The choices we make to not follow through on important matters causes an effect. What does procrastination really cost us?
Reasons for procrastination
Fear and thoughts of failure have a negative effect on confidence levels. Negative thoughts create stress which take us away from where we want to be
Success may bring added work, accountability or considerable amounts of wealth that maybe uncomfortable to manage
The task at hand is perceived as monotonous
Goals are ambiguous
Perfectionists are fearful of not completing a task to perfection. The fear is of how others perceive them, and how they see themselves if errors are made.
A few examples of the activities we choose to do to avoid the things that matter
Social media
Watching TV/Video games
Speaking to friends and family on the telephone
Sleeping
Socialising
Reading
Gossiping
Minimising the important task
Doing nothing
And many more other tasks that are not related to the task that matter. We human beings are sensitive creatures, and we will do everything to avoid discomfort and be in a place of instant gratification and feeling good. Fact! Our brains are wired to avoid discomfort and gravitate towards pleasure.
Positive reasons to procrastinate
It is important to recognise that there are valid reasons whereby following through on a task may not be achievable. For example, there may be a matter or situation that takes precedence over a given task. Another example could be that more thinking time is required to ascertain the pros or cons of a high-risk project. The difference here is that there are mitigating circumstances for the delay of a task that is already in progress which is not related to or associated with fear.
The cost of procrastination
Procrastination is the symptom of a root cause issue. Root cause issues are buried deeply in the cornerstones of our psyche. It is not always evident or obvious that we are caught up in a self-sabotaging pattern. Not realising the subtle fabric of this pattern keeps us in a self-perpetuating cycle of staying exactly where we are.
Question?
A mouse was trapped.
Great news! The mouse managed to escape!
What was the first thing the mouse had to do as part of the plan to escape?
Answer?
The mouse had to come to the realization, that it was indeed in a trap!
(author unknown)
Recognising habitual patterns is a competency to knowing and understanding ourselves. When we walk with awareness we are at an advantage; we purposely create space for personal change that will benefit us. We become more resourceful and make better choices, creating new habits that support a more suitable way to live.
To procrastinate on low risk but important matters is to our detriment. We stay in a place of familiarity that supposedly keeps us “safe’ and out of harm’s way, but in actuality there is no real danger. The comfort zone in this respect is nothing more than a false sense of security. Remaining in this space cripples our ability to grow, thrive, and experience life to its fullest. This pattern if left unchecked can cause negative consequences that can over a period of time, affect all areas of our life e.g. career, finance, health, family and relationships with others. If you don’t see the trap, you don’t know that you are in one.
All we want is ours to have if we want it enough to go out and get it!
Coaching Session Testimonial from Ms. Abass
“Following my coaching sessions with Beverley my training wheels are off. I don’t need anyone to keep me steady. I am walking sure footed to my destination”
For shifting focus to behaving and thinking in new ways which empower you to land the career of your dreams, contact me at: confidence.connoisseur@gmail.com