Written by: Jane Christine, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever procrastinated on a task only to feel guilty later? Only to rush before a deadline and wonder why you didn’t start earlier? Only to ask yourself why you can’t just get on with it and start already? You are not alone in your entrepreneurial experience.
Statistics indicate that 95% of people occasionally procrastinate, while 20% of people experience chronic procrastination. It makes sense why this leads to affecting your bottom line and why 40% of us have experienced financial loss because of procrastinating the needle moving tasks.
The good news? There is a way to prevent procrastination.
Procrastination is a form of stress relief. Yes, I said it! It’s not a form of laziness, and it’s definitely not something only underachievers experience. Actually, quite the contrary, some of the most productive entrepreneurs can be procrastinators. They are just productive in other areas of their business. There is usually a logical reason behind their procrastination on certain tasks.
As an NLP Master Practitioner and Mindset Coach, I work in alignment with the Positive Intention Theory. This postulates that every action comes from a positive intention. And there is a way to meet this need in a more resourceful way that can prevent procrastination.
From my experience, I’ve identified 4 main types of procrastinators, and finding out which one you are can help you focus on how to solve the external procrastination. However, getting to the root cause of your procrastination from a mindset perspective will require working with a mindset coach.
Which one are you?
Finding out which type of procrastinator you are can help you pinpoint how to break the pattern and honor your needs instead of blaming yourself or feeling guilty.
The Perfectionist
The Perfectionist always needs everything to be perfect. They have high standards even they can't meet, which often prevents them from starting a task in the first place, because why even start if it’s not going to be perfect?!
The Challenge: getting started.
The Self-Blamer
The Self-Blamer is extra hard on themselves. They are the opposite of lazy but won't admit when they are tired because they view it as laziness. They have an active Inner Critic that negative self-talk can go into overdrive and prevent them from getting to the important tasks as they can talk themselves out of doing it.
The Challenge: taking a break.
The Overscheduler
The Overscheduler will often say, "I'm always busy." They book out their schedule, so they have a legitimate reason to avoid the task. They often get lots done but just not the stuff to move their business needle. They find it easier to blame being busy to avoid certain tasks.
The Challenge: overbooking to avoid.
The Latest Trender
The Latest Trender always has a new idea. They are quick to implement new ideas but never complete tasks. They are great decision-makers but lose time through inconsistency and leaving things unfinished.
The Challenge: Completing tasks.
You have now identified which type of procrastinator you are, so let’s get to the external solutions.
The Solutions
The Perfectionist
Select Start Date, not only end date, and find your "good enough” standard. Establish a tangible measure that you can achieve that makes you feel satisfied.
The Self-Blamer
Include recharge breaks before you burn out. Schedule self-care time before you pencil in all the things you “need” to do. That way, you have carved out time in your calendar to take care of yourself.
The Overscheduler
Get reflective and ask yourself, "What am I trying to avoid and why?". There is a reason you are overbooking yourself to avoid certain tasks, but you have a valid reason for it. So ask yourself why you are trying to avoid it.
The Latest Trender
Write down all your new ideas and block out time each week to review them and see if they align with overall business goals. It’s great to have new ideas, but it’s important to know if they are right to implement at this moment or further down the track in your business evolution.
Preventing your procrastination is possible when you uncover the root cause behind it in the first place. Remember that behind every action is a positive intention! With the help of a mindset coach, you can uncover this positive intention that manifests you to procrastinate. This brings awareness and allows you to meet this need through other resourceful ways that align with you and your business needs.
The key to breaking your procrastination patterns is identifying why you are procrastinating in the first place and interrupting this pattern so the cycle can be broken. You can elevate your business with confidence and an abundant mindset.
Follow me on Instagram, connect with me on LinkedIn and visit my website for more info!
Jane Christine, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jane Christine is a certified Life Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, and author. Originally from Australia working in the corporate world until she questioned her life's purpose. Jane believed there had to be more to life, so she sold everything she owned and set off for a nomadic lifestyle traveling around the world searching for answers and a place to call home, which she finally found in Spain. Her search and transformation took her to over 37 countries. Life experiences and her own personal growth guided her to become a certified Life Coach. Her travels inspired her quest to learn about the world around us and why we do what we do. Since 2012, Jane Christine has been studying how our pasts shape us, the effects of societal standards, and the impact of values. With Neuro-Linguistics Programming techniques and through the power of transformation, learn how to; bridge the gap, define self-worth, set tangible goals, find comfort through change, and how 1% micro-changes can alter lives. Jane Christine is the author of "How You Know Already: Questions to ask yourself to find the answers within," as she believes we are all unique, and so are each of our paths to follow. She is dedicated to her clients and supporting their growth and journey. Her motto: Design your life, don't just live it!
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