Thursday, July 31, 2008

Procrastination.....why do you do it?

Why do you procrastinate? Do you do it because you're overwhelmed? Is is fear, laziness or maybe a little of both? It is disorganization?

I have really been picking myself apart to see why I procrastinate. I think that is my biggest obstacle to becoming really successful with my business. Now don't get me wrong....I am successful now. My sewing allows me the opportunity to stay home with my kids that I would't be able to afford otherwise. I would just like to be a little more successful. Who wouldn't, huh?

I have examined my habits and daily routine. I think that part of my procrastination comes from being disorganized and overwhelmed. So for the first half of this year I have really focused on my routines and getting organized. I have my routines down pat now. My house for the most part stays clean with just a little daily maintenance. It's harder with the kids home for summer, but things will get back to normal in a couple weeks when school starts back. I have organized my business paperwork and created a system that works for me in filling orders.

I also found out that my health was playing a role in my procrastination. I have increasingly felt bad; exhausted, achy, depressed, headaches.....over the last several years. I finally went to the doctor and found that my high blood pressure and water retention played a major factor in how I felt. I am now on daily meds and feel 100% better. My husband and I also decided to make our health a priority and change our eating habits and exercise more. We both agree that we feel even better when we eat right.

So after all these epiphonies.......I still procrastinate. It's better than it was. It's harder to put off what's right in front of your face, so my detailed todo list keeps me motivated. But I have been trying to figure out why I still do it. I have come to the conclusion that the final reason will be harder to rectify. I think that it's indesiciveness and fear. Fear of failing, fear of making a mistake, fear of upsetting someone with those mistakes. So how do I get over this? I've read tips on beating procrastination. The slogan "JUST DO IT" comes to mind. I guess I should put aside my fear. I've been sewing for 14 years and nothing really bad has happened. What could possibly be so bad as to keep from what I love?

How would you get past this? And Why do you procrastinate?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That is so wierd, I was just telling a girlfriend that the way I have attempted to beat procrastination is to "Just do It" When it is something I need to do, I try not to think about it too long, but just get started on it. Before you know it the thing you feared or dreaded doing wasnt so bad at all and you are on to new things.