Procrastination has been considered the enemy of progress, the stress of emotion, and the destroyer of action. It occurs in and outside conscious awareness routed in negative feelings that signal the drive to delay something self-identified as difficult, unpleasant, boring, frustrating, stressful, or anxiety-producing. Not feeling in control of our emotions, perfectionism, fear of failure and success, hopelessness, helplessness, lack of self-control, and lack of energy are but a small identification of why procrastination is so observable and often experienced in society. 

But is it procrastination, or is it laziness? Is your behavior due to the stress, limiting beliefs, and anxiety-producing emotions that cause the intentional delay, or is it merely an unwillingness to put forth the energy and effort? 

Knowing procrastination is one of your challenges is an opportunity to give yourself grace as you take the following steps:

• Forgive yourself for procrastinating in the past
• Identify your goal(s) and break them down into smaller steps (micro-goals)
• Write down your steps and sprinkle them throughout your week for each day
• Check off each step you complete 
• Create a reward for completing each micro-goal to keep yourself motivated
• Schedule a deadline for each micro-goal daily 
• Identify an accountability partner to keep you on task
• Practice positive self-talk daily
• Make a conscious effort to eliminate the distractions around you
• Ask for help on challenging tasks
• Focus your attention and remind yourself of the goal in mind

Success is not obtained overnight, and by writing your daily small action steps down, focusing on one day at a time, and checking them off as you go, you are helping yourself to increase your self-esteem and productivity, decrease anxiety and overwhelm, and moving in the right direction to completion.

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Written By De Vida Gill

Dr. De Vida Gill is an Educator, Author, Certified Transformational Life Coach, and Creative Strategist. She is passionate about integrating Arts & Entertainment, Mental Health, and Education. For 25+ years, she has created programs and services to empower creatives and out-of-the-box thinkers to unmask their potential and embrace their authenticity. 

Contact Mahogany Vida for more information.

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