Unfortunately, in the context of reaching goals, people often discount any type of setback as procrastination. Any speed bump in this process understandably leaves people feeling frustrated. As a result, they unfairly succumb to a self-defined pattern of “procrastination” rather than taking the opportunity for self-discovery. In fact, this opportunity for introspection can foster an awareness of the life they are living.
The following possibilities may replace the label for “procrastination” patterns. Even if you are not currently experiencing obstacles, consider whether any topics in this list represent patterns you construct in your life.
Procrastination May Be Veiling…
1. The “shoulds” are running your life.
Understanding the motivation behind any goal provides a powerful push during the tough times. Why is this goal on your list? What need does it meet or what resulting desire does it fulfill? If your answers contain statements with an underlying “should,” consider whether you really want this goal. You will not have passion or energy for a goal that does not belong to you. Determine which statements feel more empowering:
· I should lose weight.
· I should do xxx to be a good parent/spouse/employee, etc.
OR
· I feel healthy when I exercise. I have more energy when I weigh xxx.
Evaluate whether the statements you associate with your goals reflect the reasons why you want them. If they are shrouded with “shoulds” and obligations, permit yourself to change or discard them.
Life is too short; if you do the things you should do, you are living for others rather than yourself. If this statement makes you uncomfortable or defensive, consider hiring a life coach to sort it out. [email me at ndmignone@gmail.com].
2. You self sabotage and feel unworthy of your goal.
Surprisingly, some people have dreams, desires or goals yet never really expect to achieve them. Through conditioning or due to psychological factors, people willingly set themselves up for failure. Not everyone has the same dreams or goals and plenty exists for everyone to have what they want. If you operate from a prosperity consciousness you understand you have the ability to achieve whatever you desire. To shift out of scarcity consciousness into prosperity, challenge the thoughts limiting you from having everything you truly want.
· Fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise. On the left side list all the reasons you cannot have or achieve something; on the opposite side find as many reasons why you can have what you want.
· Who will you get to be when you achieve this goal or dream? Write a scenario envisioning your life with the goal already achieved.
Possibly, you are unconsciously delaying the goal process because part of you no longer wants to tolerate self-limiting behavior. If you constantly choose goals that set you up for failure decide now you will choose a different goal. Only you can decide when to stop.
3. You want something else.
People love habits. Some goals or resolutions always end up on the list without thought about whether they still serve you. If your goal sheet or resolutions continue to include losing weight, saving money, spending more time on x, y or z, you may not even question why it is on there. Let it go and pick something else. We possess the freedom to change our minds, so give yourself permission to change course. Perhaps you have outgrown the goal, not truly evaluated its purpose in your life [see #1], or not claimed the goal with specificity [see #4].
4. The goal lacks specificity.
If your goal sounds too broad or appears too unattainable, choose more specific language. To cross a canyon you may need to build a bridge; by creating smaller steps its construction would be less intimidating. Optimally, start with the end in mind and work your way backwards with each step to where you are now. Keep the outline of steps but put only the next step on your goal list. In this way, you move forward without overwhelm.
5. Currently, you are not emotionally available for this goal.
In the craziness of life and busy schedules, we may not take time to look at areas in our life that take up emotional space and drain our energy. For example, unresolved conflicts, holding of grudges, unexpressed emotions and tolerations of people, things in disrepair, unanswered mail and unpaid bills, all expend energy. As a result, our heart and mind cannot invest time by adding something else to the agenda. To resolve this, schedule some uninterrupted free time with a journal. List all of the tolerations and unresolved issues in your life. Then create an action plan, in small increments, to gradually eliminate these items. When you have whittled this list down, you may find a renewed energy and passion for the goal you originally procrastinated.
6. Hurry up and learn patience.
If none of the previous issues applies to your delays, then faith and patience may be required. Faith reflects a heartfelt understanding you will receive what you want. Patience reflects an understanding you will not necessarily receive it on your time clock. In winter, I want spring to arrive quickly because I am tired of barren trees and grey-brown hues; nature, however, with its implicit intelligence, debuts life on its own terms. So, too, will your goals blossom. Let them flower naturally like the rosebud. The Byrds sang it best: To everything there is a season and a purpose. Turn, turn, turn…
Procrastination gifts us with the opportunity to evaluate where we are in our lives. Maybe you do need a kick in the pants or believe your internal dialogue that you are just a procrastinator. However, I challenge you to find a circumstance when you procrastinated on something you truly wanted. Take some time now to ponder the perceived obstacles in your path and remain open to making necessary adjustments.
“So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains and we never even know we have the key…”
[Already Gone by the Eagles]
