On previous articles on procrastination, I've challenged you to better understand the inner dialogue that's going on when you procrastinate: what are you really resisting? what are you perceving as dangerous that doesn't allow moving forward? is it fear of failing? some thing inside suspects it's a waste of time?

 

Once you're done with that initial investigation and self-awareness process, there are some tricks you can use to effectively deal with it. First, thing about the following.

 

 

Regrets and options

 

Procrastination is triggered by a fear: "are you sure you won't regret doing that task?". Usually, you either think you may fail and regret having tried, or you think you may conclude it was a waste of time and regret having done it. Procrastination is protecting you from going forward with whatever might make you feel bad later. Of course, if you are feeling bad about procrastinating itself, it's not working very well in the first place...

 

 

A final reflection: do you really want to do it?

 

Maybe you think you "should" do it or "have to" do it, but... do you really "want to" do it? Make sure you are not going against your inner intelligence: most of our success definition is externally influenced everyday. Make sure you're not chasing some artificial notion of "supposed" success you bought from society, through TV, movies, adds, and so on. Follow an inside notion of what's aligned with your core values and everything will flow much better.

 

 

I'll be taking more about this on later articles. Until then, try one of the next 5 Top Tricks on procrastination!...