A Thief of my Time

Someday is not a day of the week

So, who is a thief of my time?  Procrastination is – that’s who. Now, it’s not exactly a ‘who’ – more like a WHAT.  Although the WHO is me.  Why do we put off unpleasant tasks?  Heck, why do we put off even the ones we like? Some people are worse than others, and some battle this more often than not. I wouldn’t say that procrastination is always a problem for me, but at the moment, it is a thorn in my side.  Here is a little accountability video I made.  Watch it if you will and then bug me later with comments to see if I have finally done the deed of unpacking these annoying boxes.  Keep in mind, this is an amateur video done with limited talent and resources 🙂

My Video

So how about some advice on how to slay the dragon we call Procrastination ?  Tips?  Why not.

First, maybe figure out why exactly you’re putting off the deed in the first place.  Is it truly just laziness or fear or what? Dig deep if you must.Get yourself a good WHY factor.

Next, just start.  Honestly, starting is the hardest part.  Once you do, you’ll gain momentum.  Inertia if you will. Promise yourself five minutes, or reward yourself for just getting SOMETHING completed in the project. Often, you’ll keep going, if not – at least you are further than you were. The brain – however – has a tendency to BUG you until you complete your ‘to-do’ list. Have you ever heard of the Zeigarnik effect? Yeah, me neither.Click on the link.Basically it is the premise that unfinished tasks get stuck in your memory.This is often why you have that recurring loop of your mental ‘to-do’ list going on in your head. I think women are famous for this.

Now, break it down. How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time? How did I lose 175 pounds? I focused on five pounds at a time. What verbs are you using to describe the task at hand? Focus on those verbs.Those are key words, for sure.

Another thing, be nice to yourself. Show compassion. Beating yourself up inside your head for the failed start or delay in accomplishment actually accomplishes nothing.  It’s just more negative energy. Give yourself a break.

Finally – be mindful of your thoughts. That whole negative energy thing is real. Flag the thoughts that are not helpful or productive. Kick them to the curb. Control your mind and you control your outcome.

And remember … ‘Someday’ is not a day of the week.

As always, make champion choices,
The Healthy Habit Lady

My Video