procrastination Archives

Splash Into Calm: Procrastination

Posted by Ellen Sichel on October 24, 2012

Procrastination is one of the most common issues many of us struggle with on a daily basis.

We cannot be great at everything and often use our weaknesses as excuses to quit, rather than cultivate our strong points. Let me give you an example. When I began to write my book Splash Into Calm, I knew that my strength is not writing. My children and husband have a sophisticated command of the English language that I lack. I almost quit before I began, until my wise advisor reminded me that there are trained professionals who can fill in where I lack skill. What I do possess is knowledge and experience of the practices and philosophies contained in the book. I also have my own style of effectively communicating concepts that stay true to my voice and those I want to reach. As I continue to forge forward, I dive in deeper and hone the skills that are already inherent within.

There are always options available to us. We can get help or hire someone to do the parts that either we do not want to do or are incapable of accomplishing, so the only thing that holds us back is fear.

Life is meant to be enjoyed and taking baby steps will transform your procrastination to momentum, and replace fear and anxiety with a sense of inner freedom.

Let me know in the comments below how you deal with procrastination. If you procrastinate, what do you think is the cause?

Tags: anxiety, communication, fear, inner freedom, procrastination

Posted in: A Calm Perspective

Procrastination: 7 Steps to Solution

Posted by Ellen Sichel on May 16, 2012

For my book I decided to write an article on procrastination. I am finding this topic challenging so I have not yet started. This is why an article is needed! What makes us procrastinate?

I think much of what gets in our way is fear. We fear that we will never finish, we fear reality or we fear we never measure up. We ask ourselves–why begin? We tell ourselves it is better not to try then to fail—emotionally that feels safer.

When I decided to write my book, I really struggled with the fact that I never considered myself a writer, but when I began and stayed true to myself and my voice the words flowed out.

Procrastination costs us dearly. We either put off important due dates (taxes is a popular one!) or postpone something we really want to do, leaving us frustrated, resentful and stressed out.

There are a few things that I found helpful and it will work for anything you want to accomplish.

Guidance: Find someone who can help you. You cannot do everything on our own.
Structure: Due dates and a step by step process (there can be some flexibility here) are vital.
Positive people: Surround yourself with those who are supportive.
Accountability: It can be the person giving you guidance or someone else who is structured.
Keep it simple: Easy step by step bite size pieces will work most effectively.
Stay in the moment: When your mind drifts into fear, take a breath and bring yourself back.
Praise: Each step of the way, give yourself praise for beginning.

Life is meant to be enjoyed and when take the baby steps needed to thwart your procrastination, great freedom takes its place.

Let me know in the comments below why you think you procrastinate and if you have had success in moving forward. Give this list a try and let me know how it went.

Tags: breahe, freedom, keep it simple, procrastination, resentful, stress

Posted in: Technique of the Week

Overwhelmed? This Will Help Keep it Simple

Posted by Ellen Sichel on February 27, 2011

When you are overwhelmed and stressed, you are stuck in the problem and are unable to see a way out. You procrastinate, quit or panic. This halts any positive momentum, and it is discouraging.

What can you do to shift your mindset?

Action is the key:

The next time you are in overwhelm mode, pick one very simple task that has a beginning, middle and end, and give it your complete focus.

For example, pick a small drawer and clean it. Take one folder and file it. Make one phone call.

When you finish, congratulate yourself and experience the sense of accomplishment.

Remember, keep it very simple, and the momentum will begin to build.

Try this out and let me know what task worked for you and how you felt. Did you keep it simple? If it did not work, what do you think happened? If you have any questions, please share in the comments below.

Tags: frustration, get organized, Overwhelmed, panic, problems, procrastination, shift mindset, stress reduction

Posted in: Technique of the Week