First, let me congratulate you on your willingness to confront the truth:
You are a procrastinator.
But hey, we all are. Statistics show that 95% of people say they struggle with procrastination. Which just means 5% of us are probably lying.
As you'll learn, procrastination is quite human, natural, and normal.
That said, it's certainly not helping you accomplish the goals you have for yourself, or live the life you really want to live.
So, over the next five days, I'll send you daily quick-hit lessons and action prompts to uncover why you procrastinate, and share a few evidence-based tools that will help you finally stop.
YOUR FIRST MINI-LESSON: What Really Counts As Procrastination?
Procrastination isn't just putting stuff off. It's putting stuff off unnecessarily, and even though you know it's going to bite you in the ass later.
Researchers break the true definition down into three parts:
- You're delaying something for no good reason
- You know it's going to cause problems
- And… you do it anyway
Yeah, that's not prioritizing. That's not even being "busy."
That's just self-sabotage disguised as "time management."
It's important to keep in mind that what counts as procrastination is also subjective. It depends on what you value, what you fear will happen, and how aware you are of the consequences.
So procrastination might look different in Tokyo than in Rio. But every culture has its own version. And if you're here, reading this, then you've definitely got your own version too.
But this mini-course is going to help you spot it, understand it, and most importantly: do something about it.
YOUR FIRST ACTION PROMPT
Why do you want to stop procrastinating? Really?
And I don't want some vague answer like "so I can be more productive" or "so I'll have more time." I mean the real reason. Is procrastination keeping you from…
- Achieving an important life goal?
- Reaching out to make plans with friends?
- Getting that work promotion?
- Becoming creatively fulfilled?
What's the value, goal, or vision that your procrastination currently stands in the way of? Who would you be if you were able to stop procrastinating?
And… if you dare, maybe ask yourself why being that person is potentially so scary.
Your answer is important fuel to carry you through the uncomfortable work ahead, so don't skip this part.
Need another prompt to get going? Try finishing this sentence in your journal:
If I never procrastinated ever again, here's how my life would change…
That's all for today.
See you tomorrow,
Mark
No comments:
Post a Comment