A proverb states, “If and When were planted, and Nothing grew.” Is your garden of life flourishing with the seeds you have planted? Are you reaping the harvest of a well-tended life? Or is there a barren plot of dreams waiting for you? Will you take action When you have time? Will you begin If everything is just right? When Nothing is planted, Nothing grows.
There are two kinds of inertia. In the science of physics, the first law of inertia states, “Standing objects tend to remain stationary.” The second law is: “Moving objects tend to stay in motion.” Both kinds of inertia can be related to the art of procrastination. Yes, procrastination is an art – a very creative process of avoidance. It is the act of putting things off intentionally and habitually. Many people practice the action all of their lives. A procrastinator is able to create all manner of excuses, reasons and distractions which keep them from completing the task at hand. It has been said, “Procrastination is like masturbation. At first it feels good, but in the end you’re only screwing yourself.”
Procrastination is stationary inertia. You aren’t moving, and therefore you don’t move! When you start a project or process, you begin movement. And you are more likely to stay with it until completion. Beginning the movement is often the problem. A procrastinator is a master of delay. Procrastination actually implies blameworthy delay, especially delay caused through laziness or apathy.
Since I doubt you consider yourself lazy or apathetic, I invite you to consider a few ways to overcome procrastination:
- Make a short list of the tasks you really dislike doing. Be brutally honest with yourself. Admit if something is hard for you, or if it bores you to tears. Admit that you don’t want to do it or that you are doing it for someone else. It’s okay to dislike doing things. It’s okay to stop beating yourself up for not doing things you don’t like to do. It’s okay to ask for help.
- Break complicated tasks into simple steps. Take the first step. Just do it.
- Set a designated time slot to work on your goal. Give yourself tasks. Create your own deadline. Be your own boss. Og Mandino says, “To be always intending to make a new and better life but never find time to set about it is as…to put off eating and drinking and sleeping from one day to next until you’re dead.” Make the time to do what you need to do. Make the time to do what you want to do. Nobody else will do this for you!
- Don’t worry about perfection. Just do it. Do it the best you can do. And accept that.
- If you have fear of the consequences associated with the action you’ve been avoiding, ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen if I do this?” Most likely, you can deal with the worst-case scenario.
- Consider the benefit of getting the task done. Maybe it’s not worth it! Maybe it really is! If you decide that it will benefit you, consider if the benefit is greater than the annoyance of doing it. Give yourself the benefit.
- Imagine the feeling of accomplishment and freedom. E-motion always creates motion. Give yourself a boost of self-confidence and energy. Procrastination creates doubt and fear. Take control and take action.
Your subconscious mind is your goal-achieving machine. It is a high-powered vehicle with no limitations. Your conscious mind is the driver of the vehicle. If you are not intentionally starting up the engine, nothing happens. “Standing objects remain stationary.” Your vehicle sits in the garage waiting for you. Once you decide on your destination and set things in motion, you will find that “Moving objects tend to stay in motion.” Get moving!!!