Procrastination plagues all of us.
Whether it’s a writing an essay or cleaning the house – we have tasks we want (and need) to do and put them off anyway.
To combat this, we’ve probably read a number of useful things on stopping procrastination. Break down the goal into small and manageable tasks, plan your day, set deadlines, and work without distractions and so on.
They’re all helpful but we still put things off. When we think of the task, we begin to feel uncomfortable. Let’s delve into that feeling of resistance.
What do we feel when we procrastinate?
Should we actually spend time with these feelings, we might learn a few things. We’ll split the tasks into the classic Eisenhower matrix.
If it’s important but not urgent, we’ll find comfort in procrastination because we don’t have to do it but feel guilty because we know it will be helpful. If our thinking continues, we might feel guilty for having these feelings at all.
If it’s urgent but not important, we might feel anxious or on the other hand, apathetic towards the task. The task’s urgency means we have to think about it but since it’s unimportant, the deadline might just zoom past without consequence.
If it’s urgent and important, the feelings of guilt, dread and discomfort are multiplied. We’ll feel trapped within the confines of our own procrastination – like slaves to distraction and quick entertainment.
Depending on how bad the procrastination is, the task will remain undone and we’ll just deal with the consequences.
There are many feelings we have while procrastinating. A lot of it stems from the fear of discomfort and results in self-criticism that makes us feel bad rather than change action in a sustainable way.
How can we combat this?
The phrase to beat procrastination
“It’ll be better after I start”
Since all of our feelings from procrastination are born of inaction, using them it’s useless to gauge how well the task will be done. We often overestimate the difficulty or underestimate our ability to try.
Stop thinking about how you might feel during the task and quieten the internal monologue convincing us to give into instant gratification. Start the task then experience how you feel.
Starting something always feels better than not starting but wanting to.
I’ve never felt worse for starting something I’ve needed to. Of course, I’ve abandoned things or disliked them for a variety of reasons but it’s better to have justified reasons and progress under your belt rather than being guided by fear.
Conclusion
When you find yourself procrastinating, say “it’ll be better after I start”.
Because it will and you’ll be OK.
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Other helpful reminders for procrastination:
Improving Slowly 
I like this one “It will be better after I start”. I was inspired by manufacturing a sense of urgency to light a fire and get things going. I would love it if you took a look at my post today – Very practical and inspiring advice on how to break through your procrastination http://bit.ly/1ONDL8k
I hope the phrase continues to be useful!
I checked the post and liked it :) I’m not sure how useful creating fake deadlines or terrible situations are when procrastination is really bad. I fear that it leads to needless self-criticism too much but that might just be my experience.
Of the points you made, which do you think are the most useful? I liked burning the
doughnutsboats the most! (I guess burn the doughnuts could make sense too)The boats – but it isn’t easy – it really puts a fire under things. I just did it myself. Walked away from a client that was driving me crazy. Lost a considerable retainer, but now I get to focus on my dreams. Scary fun.
Awesome. Simple and immediately applicable. Wasn’t sure if I wanted to write this comment.. wrote a word and sure enough, it got better after I started.
Gratitude. =)
Glad it was helpful :) It’s easy to remember thankfully