July 2019 – Productivity Success Cake

When “just do it” doesn’t get it done

In our last blog post, we looked at how procrastination can be a positive thing, or at least turned to the positive. But, how about when your procrastination goes deeper? What then?

The reptilian brain

At the root of why procrastination happens, lies the oldest part of our brain, the reptilian or lizard brain. This is the part of our brain that controls the “fight or flight” tendency and procrastination is the flight response to the stress caused by the task. Once this occurs, your brain will come up with all the reasons under the sun as to why you shouldn’t even start the task – fear of failure, fear of the unknown and anxiety are all common responses. So, in order to overcome this fight or flight tendency, we need to reprogram our brain to fear NOT doing something, rather than the consequences of doing it.

Start by imagining that “alternative ending”. What do you feel like? What does it look like? If you can, add in some phrases that you can repeat to yourself to reinforce the alternative consequences. By doing this, you can supress that reptilian response and reframe your mind.

What does AD/HD have to do with it?

Of course, if you are a serial procrastinator, there may be reasons for this. Your brain might just be wired differently. And it’s perfect! Many people with AD/HD struggle with chronic procrastination but there are a number of things that can help. For example, make it fun. If it’s fun, it’ll get done. Create a contest, give yourself a reward, dance, act silly…nobody needs to know! Additionally, consider whether your work environment is contributing to the stress you feel. Would a change in environment make a difference?

I’ve worked with teams who have AD/HDers on the team….knowing HOW they can support you makes all the difference. Little reminders, templates, maybe legos in the back room…ditch any shame and embrace yourself. Make it fun!

Clarity as a way to pave the progress road

For most people, procrastination occurs where there is a lack of clarity. You know how those feelings of overwhelm kick in as soon as you’re not sure why, or how or even what you’re doing? As soon as your brain receives the message that all is not clear, it starts telling you that it’s too difficult, uncomfortable or just plain not good for you. It will start convincing you that something, anything is better than setting to and focusing on that task and, boy is it good at convincing you! So, what’s the answer?

First, catch yourself. When I get up and start looking for something salty and crunch to eat, I know I am procrastinating and I don’t want to do the task, or know how to do the task. What are your signs?

Once you NOTICE, it starts with a clear plan of action. A plan that is precise in what you need to achieve, when and how, with no room for interpretation. This way, you’ll know exactly what is needed, what is expected of you and what you have to deliver by when. Although simple, this little step can help you overcome procrastination once and for all.

Although we all, at some point in our lives, allow procrastination to dictate our moves (or lack of) it’s important that we act to stop it from ruling our lives. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect, instead focus on better; allowing yourself to still get the job done and kick procrastination to the curb, once and for all!

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Procrastination: The Anti-Procrastination Checklist! Actions to take NOW to Get Things Done, FAST!

We all, at some point in our lives, procrastinate over something. That telephone call we’ve been dreading making, the “difficult” conversation with our boss, maybe that “talk” with our teen kids… we really wouldn’t be human if we didn’t try to avoid anything which we find a bit uncomfortable.

We hear a lot about the negative connotations of procrastination, but have you considered the positive side, too? (hint…is it procrastination, or percolation?)

I am known as the GOgirl…and as a Productivity Coach….well, I “do” well. I am learning an important skill, though. To NOT do. To hang back. To allow. These skills are a critical ingredient in the cake of getting things done, getting the right things done, and being masterful.

I am finding myself inserting “Percolation” time. For example, a colleague is really busy and she’s REALLY good at being productive. But she’s maxed out now, and stressed out. I recommended that she take a RETREAT with herself. It’s not procrastination….it’s percolation. The insertion of Being into the truth of Doing is a lesser known skill.

Procrastination can be your friend and ally when there’s a decision to be made. You remember the last time you hemmed and hawed over a difficult choice? Have you considered that your apparent procrastination could have stopped you from making the wrong choice? Procrastination gives you time to think of all the options open to you before you make that choice. Have you been guilty of delaying over a task? Maybe you’ve gone back to your to-do list and struggled to remember why that task even featured? A little bit of procrastination can give a whole lot of perspective to the tasks that once upon a time seemed oh, so urgent!

But, when procrastination really does get the better of us, how can we reframe our mind and, instead, plan to get it done?

1. Baby Steps

Firstly, we often find that, once started, that task that we’ve been avoiding isn’t really that bad. Once you start, you’ve got some progress to show for your efforts. Okay, the task may not be completed, but is it really as bad as you anticipated, or, surprisingly, is it less unpleasant than you thought it would be? The moment of actually taking that first step can carry you forward and before you know it, that dreaded task can be checked off the list. By telling yourself you’ll just start the task, not finish it, mind you, but just take the first steps you can fool your brain into a path of less resistance.

2. Accountability is your friend

By committing to getting something done, you’re more likely to see that task through to the end. None of us like to feel that we’ve let anyone else down or let them witness our failure, do we? So, use this to your advantage and rope a friend in to keep you on track.

3. Reward Yourself

What’s at the bottom of your procrastination? Why are you delaying? By identifying what you perceive you are missing, you can make a commitment to fulfil those needs later, not only giving yourself some motivation to get on and complete the tasks in hand, but also to reset your brain into associating that previously dreaded task into something that brings an enjoyable conclusion.

4. Say new things about yourself

It’s easy to perceive yourself as “never getting anything done” and to experience negative feelings as a result. Instead, try reframing your perception of yourself to someone that “gets stuff done” and see what a difference that makes. Cast your mind back to times in the past when you haven’t delayed, when you have got right on and done something. Remember what it felt like to complete the task with minimal delay. How productive you were! This reframing will shift those negative thought-patterns and assumptions and there really will be no stopping you.

In our next blog post, we’ll be delving deeper into procrastination, when “just do it” doesn’t get it done.

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