This time around we will be discussing how we self sabotage using that dreaded action, procrastination.

How destructive and well, defeating, procrastination is.

So let's go! Procrastination is the act of putting off a choice, a task, or postponing something. This plays out in our lives like dithering on that phone call to a friend that we had caused hurt with. Or not wanting to start that new project or hobby, because we fear we might fail.

A common work place experience is to delay answering an email, because even though our goal is to give a response that shows our full attention, we're distracted by other things going on. So it goes to the back burner. It might even be forgotten about, until the follow-up email or call snaps us back, now surrounded in humiliation and anxiety.

In this day and age, we're given so many options, that it's starting to cause procrastination in making even a simple decision. For example, what to have for dinner (cook ourselves or takeout/delivery), or what to watch (through a streaming video service (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, etc.), or physical disc). All of these choices don't diminish procrastinating on a choice, it amplifies and intensifies it!

So let's start defeating procrastination instead of having it defeat us!

Task: When looking at a project that seems hard to get started on, break down that project into smaller, more manageable tasks, and start doing them (writing out a list of steps for the tasks would also help frame in your mind what to prioritize). Find a friend or colleague to help you become accountable for your time, and develop, that ever important, support system to check up on you and your progress. As well, try doing the most dreaded task first, if possible. That way, the project/task is not perceived as such an uphill journey towards completion.

Thanks for reading, and let us know if these or tips you may have, help you along your goal!