Exposure is everything
I found that most people have issues on making it through the tasks they plan on doing. I have had issues with tasks I KNEW I would’ve enjoyed. Why does it have to be so hard to just get started?
What we forget don’t take into consideration is that our body has its own self-preservation mechanism that, when left to its own devices, it defaults to doing what is most “easy” and “secure”. And nothing seems more less-risky in the short-term than comfort and delaying important work!
Doing something new is naturally scary
Whenever we venture into the unknown, there is a voice in our heads that reminds us that we can just relax at home and numb ourselves with something unconstructive but safe, which is under our control. Whether that may be laying in bed, watching TV or YouTube or playing the same video game, even though we know what our couch feels like, how nothing outstanding is going to be on TV, or how our video game is gonna go.
You see.. that is the trap!
We know that procrastinating is going to be unfulfilling. We know it is only going to make matters worse. And still sometimes we choose the easy way…
Trying out something new, or planning to work on a project that isn’t even something that would challenge our capabilities is a matter of commitment. Our brains are asking us “is it worth it?”, and with our actions we answer!
If it is worth it, however, we think about it. We plan it. We work on it. When it is important we take action! Unfortunately, most times, it has to become urgent before we galvanized into taking immediate action.
The more we get started on something else, or avoid the work, the more we create the opportunity to delay until it’s too late.
The worst thing is that people tend to do this with things they deem most important. That is when it becomes a real problem! When it becomes less and less a decision and we are pushed by external circumstances, such as deadlines and undesired consequences. At that point, the whole fun is taken away…
Since self-criticism and doubt is going to creep in every time we are about to get started on doing the work that we know we want done, we have to take a responsible and effective approach. Our focused is being distracted by our current rush of adrenaline. By the small amount of “fight or flight” decision we are required to take. And we know that we want to persevere, but in that respective moment, the chemicals released in our brains are making us want to avoid it. It’s quite a tricky situation. And if we want to win and get our work done, we have to go through that barrier of uncertainty.
Our emotions work perfectly fine. It’s the meaning we give them that derail us from our path. Life never was meant to be comfortable and secure. Was it ever? For anyone? Life is meant to be exciting and full of meaning; scary jam-packed with issues and conflicts and we are adequately equipped with reasoning and planning skills to solve those issues and turn them to our favour!
The solution is: commitment and planning
Avoiding work and not sticking to plans is a hazardous habit. The way I get through getting things done in time, and actually getting to the next thing, is through committing to the thing I want done.
It’s easier said than done… I know.
But it’s a matter of perspective. Keep in mind the rewards that will come out of your actions! Think about the end goal! And ask yourself “is it worth it?”
If it’s not worth it, then maybe avoiding it was a good action to take all along. Or maybe there’s a better alternative or course of action. Jumping head-first doesn’t usually lead to good results. But that’s why you shouldn’t jump head first, and think about it.
So, when you feel like your pace of powering through your to-do list is slowing down, pause it for a moment and do this:
- think about the task you want to get done and why you want it done.
- plan it out.
- set a time when you stop and you get on with whatever is next on your list.
Causes of procrastination
- You’re afraid you’ll overwork yourself for the rest of the day — which makes sense why you would avoid it.
- You’re terms for getting the task done are not clear — when do I stop? what is the threshold that I need to reach for the work to be decent? What are the specifics steps that I need to take?
- You don’t enjoy doing that thing or it’s not meaningful to you.
People don’t procrastinate because there are other things they want to do more. People procrastinate because they are actively avoiding the task at hand.
Getting to work means getting specific about your actions. Carrying out the actions themselves is EASY. It’s like cooking, or mopping the floor. It just takes time, and (usually) minimum physical effort.
The real problem is not getting specific about the steps that need to be taken, the expected outcome, and the time to stop and move on to something else.
Exposure is everything
When doing ANY type of work, you are using your attention. Therefore you have to focus, bit by bit, on the task at hand. Think about it whenever you can! Make notes about it when you have a breakthrough moment, even if it’s just a simple idea!
There is information everywhere. Social media never sleeps. The internet never sleeps. Small talk is everywhere. TV and YouTube is packed with hours upon hours of shows (it will never run out).
It’s easy to be busy all the time and to not be productive. Make sure you know where your focus is!
