Procrastination
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Well. Hello there. I'm Lucky.
I'm very active and happy penguin.
I'll tell you about something we all are well experienced - procrastination.
But what if I'll tell you next. That discomfort you feel before doing something non-trivial is normal.
Your brain is in energy saving mode by default and doesn't want to switch on something that requires mental work.
Just start doing your task and soon that pain will be disappeared.
Try this: setup timer for 25 minutes and focus on your work only for this time.
No more. No less.
This called Pomodoro technique.
While doing your Pomodoro - focus on a process, not a product.
That means that you should think about writing your thoughts on topic but not about finishing that essay.
Give yourself few minutes of mental relaxations after a concentrated session.
Consider short exercise or walk.
Practice Pomodoro technique.
It's simple but powerfull tool.
Let me explain to you how procrastination is connected with our habits. Ready?
A habit has four components: cue - trigger, routine - reaction on a trigger, reward and belief.
When you need to do some task - your brain thinks: "Oh. It's hard". It feels pain and turns your attention to something more pleasant to reduce pain.
Soon you find yourself watching videos with cute cats. Or chatting with friends in social networks. Or scrolling the endless page with fun images. Whatever.
But there is good news.
To change this behavior you need to change only your reaction to the trigger.
This is the single point to apply willpower and it's much easier than it seems.
First, identify what category your cue falls in.
Usually, they are linked with time, place, how you feel and reaction on some event or people.
Then remove possible distractions: turn off email or messenger notifications, put your phone to the another side of the room and so on.
Start your Pomodoro timer and focus on your work.
If you feel impulsive desire to abandon and interrupt yourself - just wait and let these feelings pass away.
Savor you small and big victories.
A delayed reward is very important for changing your habits as well as you believe that you can do this.
And I wish you the best of luck in one of the most important jobs in the world: improving yourself!
Want More?