Overcoming Procrastination: The Twin Sisters of Self Esteem And Fear of Failure (Part Two)
Posted on | April 21, 2009 | No Comments
In Part One, we examined the strategic and subconscious causes of chronic procrastination. We found that procrastination can be caused by the inability to tell others “no” as well as low self esteem and the fear of failure. Today, I would like to take a look at several techniques and tips to get you back on track and moving forward.
Tips And Techniques For Battling Procrastination
Even today, I continue to fight the battle with procrastination. But, I have had a number of revelations over the years that have allowed me to better combat procrastination. I would like to share those with you. If you can, realize that:
- It is quite likely that your version of mediocre is the world’s version of excellence. Your standard of performance is likely so far above that of the world, that even when you do a mediocre job, you still far exceed the average person’s standard.
- Getting started is the hardest part Often once I can get started, I enjoy the challenge so much that I continue the project for many hours. In order to help me get started, I use an egg timer. I will set the timer for ten to fifteen minutes and tell myself that I will work for this time and quit if I feel like it. Very seldom do I ever quit.
- Take small breaks every fifteen minutes. Studies show that a person has the most mental acuity during the first fifteen minutes of working. So, make your work sessions fifteen minutes at a time and take a break. You will get more accomplished than if you tried an exhausting five hour marathon session.
- Divide large tasks into small ones. As noted above, on any given day, I am only concerned with the next step to be accomplished on any given project. Even if I determine that I need to plan ahead, I can do so as I generate the daily to do list. There is no need to engage in analysis-paralysis. Just decide what you are going to do next. Remember, you can drive from Los Angeles to New York at night by seeing only the hundred foot of road illuminated by your headlights.
Procrastination is a time killer. But, it also rots away your soul as it infects you with lower and lower self esteem while making it more and more difficult to climb out of the pit and get things done.
Do not wake up one day and realize that the enemy of procrastination has stolen what could have been a fulfilling and productive life.
Related posts:
- Overcoming Procrastination: The Twin Sisters of Self Esteem And Fear of Failure (Part One)
- Stop Procrastination – 4 Ways to End Procrastination For Good
- How To Eliminate Self Sabotage And Self Defeating Behavior
Tags: Getting Things Done > Procrastination > self defeating behavior > Self Sabotage > Time Management > time management techniques
