Tuesday Thoughts And Procrastination

Hi Friends, What did you implement last week? Today I want to tackle the subject of procrastination. I need to start off by saying how much I struggle with this. On the outside it might not look like it, but, believe me, the struggle is real. How I ever managed a household of 8, I shall never know. What I do know is that my distracted ADHD brain needs routines and systems to keep things moving forward. I mean, I really need them. To have a "morning routine" was way too vague, same with the "evening routine". You know from my writings, I am very practical and give simple steps for you to try out. Try out the suggestions below, because, what makes sense to one person doesn't make sense to another. What seems easy to one person, seems hard to another. I wouldn't be a good life coach if I didn't remind you to use your strengths and to work on the weaknesses!!! Now, not every weakness needs to be worked on. You can delegate a lot of things or hire them out if you can afford it. You don't have to do it all. My strength is connecting with people and encouraging them. My weakness is organization. There are organizational things in my business that have the potential to drive me nuts. At this point I am attempting a friendship with google sheets; we'll see how it goes. I don't "feel" the connection yet.😜

And why do we procrastinate?

• Because we are overwhelmed by the imagined size and volume of the task.

• Because we have beliefs that tell us we are not good with it.

• Because we have let it go too long and now it has negative consequences (like my expired passport).

• Because we let it accumulate until it is a much bigger task (messes, paperwork...).

Can you think of other reasons? Let me know in the comments or via email.

I am actually in a group called vision 101 with Terri Savelle Foy, who teaches,amongst other valuable things, to organize my time, schedule, house, and my life!

Because too many people said "I have fallen off the wagon and need help getting back on" I was prompted to start an accountability group. We have been together for 1 year and 5 months!!

So, I have my moments where I take action and follow through. That's good to know.

Below are some ideas I collected to help you stop procrastinating:

1. Do the thing you don't want to do and dread the most, first.

2. Get the most valuable thing done first, so no matter what else happens, the day is a victory.

3. Explore why you are stressed about it.

4. Break it down into little steps, set mini goals and reward yourself after each.

5. Check if you need to do this task or if you can delegate.

6. Get someone to help you!

7. Imagine what you will feel like after it’s accomplished.

8. Set an alarm on your cell phone.

9. Live by the motto: Just do the next right thing. Don't look at the whole elephant. Just take one bite and get started.

10. Reward yourself for completing the thing you didn't like to do.

11. Decide ahead of time what you will do to avoid decision fatigue. Spend 15 minutes on the task with a timer and then stop.

12. Implement Mel Robin's 5 second rule.

13. Make it more fun by adding popcorn and music.

Thank you to all who contributed their ideas!

I have done some of the above. Here are some examples:

-I have a reminder in my phone and paper calendar to replace the air conditioning filter monthly.

-I asked a friend, when we were packing up and moving, to help with tackling a dreaded room. She came and it was done!

-Sometimes I ask a friend to check on me if I did a certain task that day.

-I use a daily planner, a one page planner that I designed for my needs! One page is all I can handle.

-Birthdays, and other important dates are in my calendar.

What has worked for you? Please let me know.

The definition of Procrastination :

The act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute, or past their deadline.

There are courses, Apps, calendars, friends, coaches :) to help you move forward.

What if it's not that difficult after all? What if you can learn to schedule it and get it done? What if it doesn't take that long? How would you feel?

Who better, than someone who knows what it feels like, to help you stop procrastinating.

Imagine the overwhelm dissipating.

Need help? Message me.

PS: Message me for a free consult to start moving toward a more confident you.

You are loved. Deeply loved. Loved beyond measure.

Until next time, Isabelle

Call or write for a free life coaching consultation #732-331-2246 Isabellestephensoncoach@gmail.com