How to Overcome Your Procrastination

2024-08-29 ~ adminlife

Procrastination often stems from an emotional response rather than sheer laziness. When you think about certain tasks—like going to the gym, doing your taxes, or making an uncomfortable phone call—you might feel a wave of dread or discomfort. This emotional response is your brain’s way of trying to protect you from experiencing something unpleasant.

However, you have the power to choose your actions, regardless of how you feel. While it may not be easy to take on tasks that make you uncomfortable, it’s entirely possible—and often necessary.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

Procrastination doesn’t make the task go away; it only adds to the stress over time. Eventually, the discomfort of putting it off becomes greater than the discomfort of just getting it done. So, why not save yourself the extra anxiety and tackle it now?

While there are moments when procrastination might be harmless, more often than not, it’s better to act sooner rather than later.

Here are some effective strategies to help you beat procrastination:

1. Tune into the Physical Sensation: When you anticipate doing something you’d rather avoid, notice how it feels in your body. Where do you feel that discomfort? Is it in your stomach, chest, or somewhere else?

Focus on this sensation and observe it closely. Notice how long it lasts and what happens to it over time.
By becoming aware of how these feelings fade, you’ll find it easier to manage or even dismiss them in the future.

2. Break the Task into Manageable Steps: Sometimes, the sheer size of a task can be intimidating. Look for ways to simplify or break it down.

Can you tackle a small portion each day?
Is there a tool or resource that could make the job easier?
Could you delegate or hire someone to help?

3. Reward Yourself Afterward: Give yourself something to look forward to once the task is done. It could be as simple as enjoying an ice cream, getting a massage, or indulging in a good book. Rewards can be powerful motivators.

4. Visualize the Relief of Completion: Think about how good you’ll feel once the task is behind you. The sense of accomplishment and relief often outweighs the temporary discomfort of the task itself.

Instead of dwelling on how difficult it might be, focus on the satisfaction and freedom you’ll experience once it’s done.

5. Start with a Small Commitment: Plan to work on the task for just five minutes. Give yourself permission to stop after that if you want. Often, the hardest part is just getting started, and once you do, you may find it easier to keep going.

6. Ask for Help: Do you have someone who can lend a hand? Having company can make even the most unpleasant tasks more bearable. Invite a friend, or better yet, gather a group to make the task quicker and more enjoyable.

7. Push Through with Determination: Some tasks simply need to be done, no matter how much you’d rather avoid them. Channel your inner strength, face the challenge head-on, and just get it done.

Everyone feels the temptation to procrastinate. What sets successful people apart is their ability to overcome this urge.

Procrastination is usually about avoiding discomfort, but there are ways to reduce that discomfort and make it easier to take action. Focus on the benefits of completing your tasks, get them done, and then treat yourself to a well-deserved reward. You’ll feel a lot better once it’s over.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 45-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

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Mastering Procrastination: A Pathway to Success

2024-07-19 ~ adminlife

Success is often perceived as the result of extraordinary ideas or seemingly impossible feats. However, it is predominantly the outcome of consistently executing mundane tasks. Success is achieved by doing the things that many are unwilling to do. Whether the goal is weight loss, career advancement, academic excellence, or financial prosperity, the journey is frequently unenjoyable.

In most situations, the necessary actions are evident. The true challenge lies in motivating oneself to undertake these actions.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

Effectively managing procrastination involves compelling oneself to perform tasks that are undesirable. This practice is invaluable for cultivating success. Overcoming procrastination equips you with the ability to achieve virtually any goal.

Understanding the Procrastination Process

Initial Thought: The process begins with the contemplation of a task. This is the starting point of any activity.
Emotional Response: Each thought elicits an emotional response. Positive emotions facilitate task initiation, whereas negative emotions hinder it. For instance, it is easy to get off the couch for a snack but challenging to do so for a less enjoyable task like painting the gutters.
Avoidance: If the task evokes negative emotions, it is avoided. Each individual has consistent procrastination habits. Identifying these habits can be insightful. Make a list of activities you engage in to avoid tasks.
Action Trigger: Eventually, the discomfort of procrastination outweighs the discomfort of the task itself, prompting action. Tasks such as paying taxes, taking out the trash, applying for jobs, or completing assignments are eventually addressed.

This procrastination cycle is common but counterproductive for those striving to advance or maintain order in their lives.

An Alternative Approach to Unpleasant Tasks

Reframe Your Perspective: When a task feels daunting, view it as an opportunity to develop success skills. This mindset differentiates the highly successful from the habitual procrastinators. Successful individuals tackle challenging tasks head-on.
Acknowledge Your Feelings: Take a moment to sit with your emotions. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Identify where you feel discomfort in your body-whether it is in your head, chest, or stomach. Focus on relaxing that area and releasing tension.
Commit to Five Minutes: Dedicate just five minutes to the task you wish to avoid. Starting is often the most difficult part, so become proficient at initiating tasks. Frequently, you will find yourself continuing beyond the initial five minutes. Acknowledge your effort and persistence.
Practice Self-Forgiveness: Accept that some days will be more productive than others. Developing the skill to overcome discomfort and procrastination is challenging. When setbacks occur, forgive yourself and resolve to keep trying.

Procrastination is an intrinsic human behaviour, likely beneficial in our evolutionary past when poor decisions could be catastrophic. Our brains required substantial convincing before taking action.

In contemporary times, delaying unpleasant tasks may seem logical, but it is counterproductive.

Decide that the present moment is the right time to act. Utilize your procrastination tendencies as a catalyst for learning and achieving success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program.

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Now is your best chance to find my entire ebook collection for a promotional price at @Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! Find my books at

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Michael_W

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Transform Your Mindset and Enhance Your Productivity

2024-05-31 ~ adminlife

Procrastination is a pervasive issue that affects many individuals across various aspects of life. Whether it’s delaying the start of a new project, postponing decisions, or simply putting off daily tasks, the habit of procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and potential negative outcomes. However, the key to breaking free from this cycle is rooted deeply in altering one’s mindset.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

Understanding the Impact of Procrastination

Procrastination is not merely a minor hindrance; it can have profound implications on one’s personal and professional life. Consider the story of John, a talented graphic designer who consistently postponed working on his portfolio updates. Despite his skills, John missed several job opportunities and only began to turn his career around when he addressed his procrastination habits.

The Psychological Underpinnings

Fear of Failure: Many individuals procrastinate due to a deep-seated fear of failure. They delay tasks as a protective measure against potential disappointment.
Perfectionism: A desire for perfection can also lead to procrastination. The thought that one might never meet the high standards set can paralyze action.
Overwhelm: Feeling overwhelmed by the scope of a task can cause one to put off starting altogether.

Strategies to Combat Procrastination

To overcome procrastination, one must adopt a proactive mindset. This involves a series of deliberate actions and thought pattern adjustments.

Step-by-Step Approach to Mindset Change

Make a Firm Decision:
- Acknowledge the need for change.
- Commit to different thinking patterns about tasks and responsibilities.
Implement Immediate Action:
- Adopt the mantra, “Just Do It,” popularized by Nike, to overcome hesitation.
- Take small, manageable steps to begin breaking the cycle of delay.
Shift Focus from Negatives to Positives:
- Instead of dwelling on the undesirable aspects of a task, concentrate on the positive outcomes of completing it.
- Visualize the benefits and rewards that will follow from taking action.
Cultivate a Positive Environment:
- Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and motivate you.
- Avoid naysayers who focus solely on potential failures and setbacks.
Regularly Review and Adjust Goals:
- Set clear, achievable goals and review them periodically.
- Adjust your strategies and approaches as needed to maintain momentum.

Real-Life Success Stories

Consider the example of Sarah, a university student who struggled with procrastination in her studies. By applying these strategies, particularly focusing on the benefits of completing her assignments and visualizing her graduation, Sarah was able to motivate herself to study regularly and ultimately graduated with honours.

Conclusion: The Power of a Changed Mindset

Transforming your mindset is not an overnight fix but a gradual process that requires consistency and dedication. By actively deciding to change how you perceive and react to tasks, you can significantly reduce procrastination. This not only leads to better productivity but also enhances overall satisfaction and well-being.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today and move towards a more productive and fulfilling life free from the shackles of procrastination.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program.

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Photo by Tungsten Rising on Unsplash

Harnessing the Power of Productivity: Overcoming Procrastination

2024-02-16 ~ adminlife

In the pursuit of professional and personal excellence, time management stands as a critical component of success. Procrastination, the stealthy thief of time, often undermines our best intentions and efforts. It erodes the very fabric of productivity and leaves a trail of missed opportunities and unmet goals. Yet, by implementing strategic measures, one can reclaim the lost territory from the clutches of this pervasive adversary.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

Strategies to Confront and Conquer Procrastination

The following methods have been curated to assist individuals in their quest to defeat procrastination and enhance their effectiveness in all endeavors.

Immediate Action: The Antidote to Delay

Embrace the Philosophy of Promptness
- The moment an idea or task arises, spring into action. This immediate response circumvents the brain’s tendency to build resistance. Like a sprinter bursting from the blocks, you have a narrow window to launch forward before hesitation sets in.

Structured Time Blocks: The Framework for Focus

Employ the Power of Finite Scheduling
- Allocate specific durations to tasks, creating a sense of urgency and a deadline-driven environment. This approach can transform an overwhelming project into manageable segments.
- Utilize a timer to heighten concentration and spur a race against time, often leading to increased productivity and a surprising willingness to extend beyond the initial time frame.

Incremental Progress: The Journey of a Thousand Miles

Adopt the Principle of Small Beginnings
- Overcome the inertia of inaction by committing to a minimal, non-intimidating portion of the task at hand. Whether it is a sentence or a paragraph, the act of starting can unleash a wave of continued effort.

Prioritizing Major Tasks: The First Strike

Confront the Giants Early
- Tackle the most substantial and challenging tasks at the day’s inception. By doing so, you create a cascade of relief and motivation that carries you through the remainder of the day’s lighter duties.

Strategic Distraction Management: The Art of Delayed Gratification

Transform Distractions into Incentives
- Identify the current sources of diversion and postpone them as a form of reward. This tactic not only preserves focus but also enhances the enjoyment of leisure activities, as they become well-deserved respites following productive work sessions.

Reflections on Procrastination’s Impact

Consider the extent to which procrastination permeates your life. How does it distort your potential and dilute your accomplishments? Envision the heights you could reach if procrastination’s grip were loosened.

Personalizing Your Procrastination Strategy

Experimentation Leads to Customization
- Not all strategies resonate with everyone. It is crucial to experiment with various techniques and observe which ones align with your personal rhythm and preferences. The key lies in discovering the unique combination that catalyzes your productivity.

In conclusion, the battle against procrastination is not won through a singular approach but through a tailored, multifaceted strategy that evolves with your needs and circumstances. By integrating these methods into your routine, you can forge a path toward heightened efficiency and a more fulfilling, accomplished life.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. I am offering a free, no obligation Wheel of Life consulting and exercise session for three people each day. You can book the session at https://calendly.com/michael-coach/focused-program-45-minute

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Triggers to Your Procrastination

2022-09-21 ~ adminlife

According to Teddy Roosevelt, unless what you are doing involves effort, pain and difficulty, it isn’t worth doing. Do you think that way? You may respond that all of that is just “hogwash” if you have ever experienced the following.

The agony experienced by trying to compress a whole semester of studying into one night
The suffering you face when you scramble at the last minute to meet any work deadlines
The agony of having a large pile of dirty clothes because you continually put off doing your laundry.

We can assign these activities to procrastinators who may say this. Procrastination isn’t worthwhile yet it does involve the aspects of pain, difficulty and effort.

If you would like to listen to these types of articles, you can visit my podcasts at

These are short, usually under 5 minutes but they can enable you to listen to confidence and motivation advice and tips while driving or relaxing.

If procrastination is so painful, why is it done by so many people? You may have wondered this if you know a procrastinator or admit that you are a procrastinator.

Why do people procrastinate? Psychology can help look into the minds of procrastinators.

Procrastination Psychological Factors

There are various factors that can cause procrastination. While procrastinators know their behaviour, they just can’t change.

Little structure. It is a skill to be able to organize your tasks while taking your habits and your behaviours into consideration. This is a skill that procrastinators usually lack. If you can keep order of your past, present and future, you can usually manage your time well.

A person who cannot do this cannot plan what actions they need to dedicate time to. They can’t put in the time necessary to complete an activity.
They cannot focus and delay the tasks they must complete. You become a procrastinator when you build a habit of delaying tasks.

Fear and anxiety. When you can’t see the top of the clothes mountain, the task can seem challenging. When you confess this to yourself you feel uneasy.

You can be paralyzed by the fear of the results of your work or what is necessary to achieve your task. This results in your inability to complete a task and the result is procrastination.

No motivation. Motivation has been called by some people, the driving force behind getting what needs to be done and finished. Motivation can be either internal or external. A crucial psychological factor is internal motivation.

Motivation helps you decide whether you can complete a task. We all want fulfillment and pleasure in our life. If your task benefits you this way, you will want to do it.
You will not want to do a task if the work does not provide you with any rewards. You will lack motivation if you dislike a task. You will defer working on a task when you feel this way.

Perfectionism. Trying to hold up a heavy object isn’t easy. It is even difficult to move the object because of the pressure exerted. This strain is also what perfectionism puts on you if you suffer from it.

You have a high expectation of yourself if you are a perfectionist. You may not be able to complete a task to your high standards though.
A perfectionist won’t settle for their best. You may not want to fail in meeting your own high expectations. To make sure that you don’t fail at the task, you may postpone any work on that task
You may spend time thinking on how to finish the task to be able to meet your high standard. For people who procrastinate, perfectionism is a very relevant and proven psychological factor.

These are some of the whys of procrastination. You can start to overcome this self-defeating habit when you gain knowledge of the factors. You will be a lot happier when you can live a life of less effort, pain a difficulty.

To work together to help you get moving in the right direction in your life, click on the blue button below to book a 15-minute, no obligation “Get to know you” call.

Going alone on creating a better life is difficult. Find out how working with a Life Coach to remove your pain points, can make the journey to success and a better life easier.

Book the call now.

To your success

Michael

P.S. you know that living a life that is in balance is important. When you can balance your work, family, health, relationships, fitness and money, you feel better and can achieve your goals. You have the support of your family and friends which makes life worth living.

Check out my programs at Confidence and Life Coaching by clicking on the logo below:

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