Ponderings (May 2006) - “PROCRASTINATE”

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …

Procrastinate is “to put off intentionally and habitually; to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done”

Sharing my thoughts …

When I find myself procrastinating (like I did with Ponderings this month), usually, I can pinpoint one or more underlying causes.  Once I identify the cause(s), then I can choose the action(s) that will help me move forward.  Here are some common reasons I procrastinate, along with the actions I take to get moving again …

NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN - When this happens, I chunk the project into smaller, more manageable units.  Then I start with the first item.

PERFECTIONISM AND FEAR - I bring my awareness into how my perfectionism and fear are hindering my progress.  Then I consciously choose to relax my standards, face my fears, and just do it!  (I admit, this is easier said than done!)

NO ENERGY FOR THE PROJECT - Sometimes it’s just making the task more enjoyable. (For example, to create this Ponderings, I left my office to work in the sunniest room in my home, listening to music, surrounded by my cats.)  At other times, the lack of energy is a sign that I need to drop the project; especially, if doing so has little or no negative impact.

REQUIRES A SKILL AND/OR TALENT I DON'T HAVE - I seek out help from someone who has the skill and/or talent needed for the particular task.  I’ve noticed that whenever I have a project on my “to do” list that carries over month to month, quarter to quarter and even year to year, it’s for this reason.

Questions to ponder …

1. What is your payoff for procrastinating?
2. What important projects have you been putting off?
3. What are your underlying causes of procrastination?
4. What are the consequences if you never get around to the task?
5. What opportunities have you missed because of procrastination?
6. Recall times when you’ve procrastinated.  What pattern do you notice?
7. What can you do to get moving again when you find yourself procrastinating?
8. What is your procrastination telling you about the project and about yourself?
9. How do you know when your procrastination is an indication to drop the project?
10. Is the task outside of your natural style?  If yes, to whom can you delegate the task?

Related quotes …

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.  The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.  [Mark Twain]

Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.  You may delay, but time will not.  [Benjamin Franklin]

Don't wait. The time will never be just right.  [Napoleon Hill]

Procrastination: A hardening of the oughteries.  [Anonymous]

Procrastination is my sin.  It brings me naught but sorrow.  I know that I should stop it.  In fact, I will - tomorrow!  [Gloria Pitzer]