Procrastination – by Eva Mondor

“If you have goals and procrastination you have nothing.  If you have goals and you take action, you will have anything you want.” -Thomas J. Vilord-

Do you tend to be a “tomorrow person” instead of a “today person?”  Do you know what you need or want to do but get stuck in one place “spinning your wheels” in the excuses of why tomorrow will be better?  We are all prone to these moments when we hesitate or delay action.  In fact, inactivity can actually be productive if used effectively to inspire creativity, ponder subsequent steps to a decision or prevent the escalation of an argument.  Nevertheless, there comes a point when delaying interferes with your innate ability to create and direct your life.

Procrastination is a habit where we postpone or avoid undesirable tasks or even eagerly anticipated opportunities. In fact we oftentimes put more energy in finding creative ways to delay something than in taking action.  We may ignore a task hoping it will go away, underestimate the work involved in a desired goal, overestimate our ability to complete a job, or we may focus on less important things first.   In any case, unnecessary postponement will only lead to or add to feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, guilt, depression or anxiety.

Consider for a moment all of the things you are planning.  Maybe it’s getting your finances in order, finding a new job, ending a bad relationship, reconciling with someone, eating better, exercising or getting organized.  Whatever it is, if you keep putting off significant decisions and important tasks you will certainly miss meaningful opportunities in your life and the only thing you will regret are the things you never did.  “Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence.  Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear.  Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow.  But any action is better than no action at all.” Sir Norman Vincent Peale

Rather than avoiding or putting off the steps to your dreams by pondering all of the “what if’s,” fearlessly take a step. In Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” the author refers to the opposite of procrastination as prioritization.  So with strength and fortitude practice the feeling of starting instead of avoiding something. Set reasonable expectations for yourself.  Maybe start with one phone call, organize one drawer, or take a short walk.  Avoid perfectionism and strict expectations this will only sabotage your progress.  Therefore expect to be challenged and do not get derailed by discouragement only assume success. Most of all remember that complacency and non-discipline will not get you what you want.  When you live on the sidelines watching your life pass by you will only convince yourself that it is safer to live in your “comfort zone” than to take a chance at your destiny.

Everything that exists in form from airplanes, to cars to medical cures was once only an imagined idea and became actualized through action, intention and commitment.

Stop waiting for just the right time when all of the conditions are perfect to take that first step or imagining how uncomfortable or hard it will be to change.  Believe in your abilities, get focused on the possibilities and let go of your fears.  This is how your dreams can begin. Any action towards a desired goal is better than doing nothing at all so don’t delay start today!