Put off procrastination

Baby Step 46 to Fall into Better Habits

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Imagine all we could accomplish if we decided to put off procrastination once and for all. Our lives would be filled with achievements and satisfaction. Why, then, do we postpone taking action? Why do we avoid it like the plague?

I think I know.

Most of the time we procrastinate because it’s not the least bit enjoyable. We consider certain tasks drudgery not because we don’t want to do them, but because we’ve already done the pleasurable part associated with the task and now we are left with something to do that seems illogical. Our brain can’t grasp the concept…at least not willingly.

Where’s the fun if it’s already been done?

(#ho hum) image courtesy of Unsplash

When we’ve already received the reward, we consider it to be a done deal - even though most times, it’s not. If we’ve already had the fun, then why continue with the to-do list associated with that experience? What’s the point? Where’s the reward? What’s in it for me?

After all, when we have something to look forward to, we are excited to pursue it. But, what’s a peep to do when the pursuit is already over?

Our brain believes this is a rare and strange phenomenon and must be avoided. But Mr. Noggin is incorrect. Ironically, this type of thing happens way more often than we think. Allow me to explain.

We enjoy all the movies we want on Netflix before we’re billed at the end of the month.

We go to college based on the fact that we’ll receive our degree before we have to repay the loan.

We savor a yummy meal before we have a huge mess to clean up in the kitchen.

And, as with all the above examples, the longer we postpone doing it, the bigger the mess we have waiting for us.

What can we do about this seemingly unsolvable problem? I’m glad you asked. In fact, it’s today’s Baby Step.

(#dang, girl) image courtesy of Unsplash

BABY STEP

To solve this dilemma, being vague won’t cut it. We need to get very specific as to the benefit we’ll get out of everything we decide to do. So, when the next awesome, thrilling, amazing, unique, gotta-have-it thing comes along, pause for 10 seconds and ask:

1. Am I passionate about this? If yes, proceed to question number 2.

2. Is this worth the effort?

Having passion is awesome. It’s what makes life worth living. It’s that one thing we really want. It’s the carrot dangling in front of our faces. Yet, it’s not enough. We still need to move the cart to get it.

Effort, on the other hand, includes many factors: Is this something I’m committed to? Will this be worth my money? My energy? My attention? My very limited time?

Once we answer that last question, our brain kicks in and realizes just how precious our time is. Those are the moments of regret (more on that tomorrow) where we feel like we should have made better decisions in the past because now we’re stuck doing the chores we really don’t want to do in the present.

Even though we can’t go back in time to change our current circumstances, it’s NEVER too late to make better choices right NOW. Because what we do in this moment will determine, to a large degree, what unfolds in future moments.

When we take a moment to ponder, we no longer need to wonder.

By doing this one simple act, we will absolutely KNOW we are making the best decision for us in that moment. We will have the confidence of knowing we can cause better circumstances to happen rather than waiting to see what happens.

So, pausing to ponder solves two problems at once: procrastination and regret. And, who can resist a BOGO?

PS We began this series in September of 2023. You haven’t missed out! Find the tips and techniques used in this series, plus bonus material, in a downloadable format where you can track your progress. Find out more about it HERE.