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Maybe You Should Procrastinate More Often!

By
Education & Training with Advantage Solutions Group

Procrastination? Or More, Harder, Faster?

Which option do you think you should choose?

The conventional wisdom purveyors tell us being in action is best the answer to creating results. They say procrastination is a BAD thing! Under many circumstances, that is true -- however, there are times when procrastination is the better tactic. I know too many tired people who are trying to increase their business doing more, by working harder and trying to outwit the time they have by multitasking! They don't work at peak proficiency or with focus… they are just doing everything that gets tossed at them trying to make progress.

When we do this, instead of finding satisfaction or happiness, they feel burned out and frustrated.

I've come to value procrastination. Sometimes waiting brings better ideas, results, information and synchronicities. I used to press myself when there was a task to bear down on and just get it done. More, harder, faster! Then, by accident a few times, and then, later, by conscious awareness, I began to see when I didn't take immediate action on something, because I just didn't feel ready, often better outcomes occurred!

In working with my coaching clients, I rarely find their procrastination is an avoidance of things they know would make a viable difference, but rather, procrastination usually shows up when things don't quite feel in alignment. We inevitably produce the best results when our values, goals and methods are all in alignment and, yet, many training programs suggest there is one "right" way to do it be successful. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit everyone.

So, how do you distinguish the procrastination that is borne of avoidance, laziness and distractions from "good" procrastination? It really isn't complicated.

  1. Begin by asking yourself why you are procrastinating.

  1. Is it something that you need more information to go forward with? If so,identify what you need and then get 'er done!

  1. Is it something you fear? If so, what's the worst that could happen? Is it worse to wait or to take action?

  1. Is it something that you just don't feel comfortable doing (a mis-alignment of values)? A very common situation I often see is people who don't want to make calls because they perceive that action as intrusive or obnoxious. Their values of how they want to be treated and want others to treat them is offended by the thought of calling, interrupting and asking for business. Two options exist with this one. First, can it be your perception of what you are doing is off? If you knew people would be happy to talk to you and get good info about what is going on in the market, would you then be comfortable? Think in any given situation, how it can be brought in line with your values... In this example, serving people rather than bothering them. Second, when you feel discomfort, ask yourself if there is another way to accomplish the same result that is in better alignment with your personality style and values. Perhaps attending a networking event, instead of calling people.

  1. Do you have a feeling that you aren't "ready" to do something yet? This is the one that I find can be good procrastination. Always weigh the cost of not making a decision or taking an action right now. If there isn't any downside, honor your feelings and wait! I've had cheaper airplane rates, a better opportunity for a time slot I was going to commit to, and all sorts of "perfect" situations that would have been lost if I had forced myself to just take action! Sometimes, something happened during my wait that showed me the obvious decision, adding information that was important that I wouldn’t have known by pushing.

This is another case of “Just because you can… doesn’t mean you should!”

One of my clients reminded me of a different way to approach this that I have used and loved.... It's called The Placemat Exercise from The Law of Attraction folks: Abraham-Hicks.

Here's the story behind it and someone’s examples and experiences here.

Here’s how it works...

Each morning, start your day by doing this:

Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of it vertically. On the lefthand side, make a list of things you are going to take care of that day. On the right hand side, make a list of the things you’d like the universe to handle for you. And then get on with the day. Each time the universe DOES handle something, notice and give gratitude!

The link above gives some concrete examples. What I have done is begin to move more and more things to the right column. This takes trusting, (yourself and the universe)... but you’ll be amazed at how many things either work themselves out or have answers show up. One of the reasons I like this is because we often limit the ways something should happen, (Mike Dooley calls it being focused on “the cursed hows”), and then fail to see another possible way of getting to our goal. Often, by letting go, we get an even better result, too!

But, fundamentally, I believe if you try this daily for a couple of weeks, you’ll find yourself worrying less, having less to figure out and having happy circumstances showing up. Is that worth a try? Let me know!

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Comments (5)

Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Joeann - so very true. And I like your reference to Ester Hicks book!

May 24, 2013 09:24 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

I prefer to think of it as postponing my actions until a clear decision is made.

May 24, 2013 10:02 AM
Joeann Fossland
Advantage Solutions Group - Tucson, AZ
Master Certified Coach to Motivated Agents

Thanks Anna! You and I share some common thinking, don't we? And there is so much good stuff at the Abraham-Hicks site!

May 24, 2013 10:39 AM
Joeann Fossland
Advantage Solutions Group - Tucson, AZ
Master Certified Coach to Motivated Agents

Kathy, That is exactly what you are doing, but many people have this nagging little voice that is pressuring them to make a decision or take an action! Sounds like you do a lot of clear thinking!!!! Good for you!

May 24, 2013 10:40 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-939-2727
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Dear Joeann,

Looking for Abraham-Hicks posts, I found your post.
Thanks for the advice - sounds "attractive"!  LOL

Have a happy day -
Lynn

Nice to find your website.

Aug 14, 2013 01:27 PM