Are you finding yourself procrastinating when needing to get something done? Why are you procrastinating? Lets start by defining what procrastination is. A common dictionary defines procrastination as “postponing or delaying needlessly.” To me, procrastination is a choice that we consciously or subconsciously make, based on how we are focusing on the effects of a particular action needed on our behalf, in the moment. If we are focusing on why we don’t want to take action in that moment, we will put off taking action and thus, procrastinate!

How to Begin Overcoming Procrastination

How can we begin overcoming procrastination? How long does it take? I believe that we can begin overcoming procrastination and create the results we want now, rather than later – or how it usually gets…much, much later!

So, how can we do this? We can begin overcoming procrastination easily and consistently by consciously focusing on the positive thoughts and strong positive feelings we will get by taking action and more importantly, the strong negative thoughts and feelings to not taking action, or in other words the “consequences.”  We usually do more to avoid the negative than we do to gain the positive, so the negative aspect of what can happen if we don’t take action will create some motivation and cause us to being overcoming procrastination and take action!

Whether it’s paying the bills, taking out the trash, painting the kitchen or going to work on that report your boss wants, by focusing on the positive side of completing these tasks, as well as feeling the effect of the consequences that can come to pass if you do not complete the task(s), can help drive you to begin overcoming procrastination and take immediate action.

WhyDoes This Help in Overcoming Procrastination?

So why does this work? The key distinction to make here is that we procrastinate in a given moment in time because of the meaning we attach to taking action. If the meaning we are attaching to taking action focuses on why we don’t feel like taking action, our physiology changes into lazy state if you will and then we decide semi-consciously that we don’t want to take action. When we change the meaning to something that we want, or that makes us now feel good about taking action in that moment, we can begin overcoming procrastination and take action.  I want you to realize that it’s the meaning that changes in that moment that is the deciding factor.

Overcoming the Bad Habit of Procrastination

Finally, how can we make procrastination less of a habit? Most of us already procrastinate and don’t even notice it. Take my word for it. If you need to take action and you’re not, you’re procrastinating. It could be fear of failure or anything else that your brain is evaluating as some form of pain that is stopping you from taking action. Ever wonder why your always late getting to your in-law’s? Now you know! You can begin to analyze what is stopping you from taking action and deal with it consciously.  Say to yourself, “What will be the consequences if I don’t follow through and take action right now.” Also, focus on the rewards you will get and relief you will feel once you have taken action.

To help diminish the procrastination habit, consistently follow through and take action using the strategy describe in this article.  The more action we take, the quicker the new habit will form and we can reach our goal of overcoming procrastination.

Experts have estimated that a new habit takes at least 30 days to install. So practice this fundamental success principle daily! You already started to procrastinate! Well, the choice is yours to make, but only if you want to!

Remember, procrastination is the thief of time – don’t let it take over your life.