Procrastination-A Goal Killer

There are four steps in eliminating procrastination that can frustrate our goal setting process. They are 1) slowing down, 2) using your eyes, 3) redirection and 4) taking action. Each one is simple but combined they are a powerful methodology for eliminating procrastination from our lives. This process isn't a single instance because it is common to continue to apply this system time-after-time because habits are hard to break. Even after a long period of time, it is easy to slip into procrastinating again.

The first step is to take the time to slow down and mediate about the area we are procrastinating. Must we really accomplish this thing? How do we really feel in our heart? Where does this fit in our goal setting process? The outcome here is the determination to go on or to drop it. By deciding to continue, we acknowledge that the task must be done and that we are willing to accomplish it.

Next we must use our eyes and mind to see what's going on. What's good about it? What's bad about it? What's distracting me? What do I want or need to change? How and when can I change things to eliminate the obstacles? This insightful seeing really identifies what changes can be beneficial for us. It results in a new goal-setting plan, albeit a soft plan, which we can then refine. It also helps strengthen your resolve.

This moves us to the third area of redirection. We now examine the soft plan formed in the previous step. Here we use all of our skills to make it a concrete goal-setting plan. We decide how to accomplish it and perhaps create intermediate steps to get the big thing done. The outcomes here are to both create a concrete plan and also to strengthen our commitment in accomplishing it. We will become energized to accomplish that thing we had been avoiding.

Finally, we come to what was previously a wall--doing the task. At this point, we will be enthused, committed and have a plan of action. Now, we need to go out and work the plan. Because of the momentum toward accomplishing it we have created in the previous steps, this won't be as difficult as it once was. Having examined the task throughout this exercise, we have really been proving to ourselves that we must get it done, we can get it done and then how we will get it done. Those are the hard things. This final one--doing it is really just the culmination of what has gone before. We use all this momentum to carry us through accomplishment--We Win! Goal setting has succeeded.

In closing, here are a few additional points. Procrastination is a reoccurring phenomenon. Be easy on yourself, especially in the beginning. Old habits fight very hard to retain control. Even if you aren't entirely successful at first, the fact that you have made progress should feel good. As more time passes and your successes increase, your confidence and ability to kick the procrastination habit will increase. Sometimes, forward movement comes is jerky steps and not all of them are forward--Sometimes we go back. But, if we keep hammering the wall, procrastination will fall to our persistence.
Leadership Theories