3 Outrageously Effective Ways to Stop Procrastinating

And become unstoppable

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

It’s a vicious cycle.

We put things off that overwhelm us. When the task can no longer be ignored, we struggle mightily to finish it, often while beating ourselves up for procrastinating in the first place. Sometimes the project finally gets completed. Other times the “can” is kicked down the road once again, and the cycle continues.

But why?

Why do we procrastinate, what are the dangers, and what can be done about it?

Photo by Evan Dennis on Unsplash

I’ve discovered that chronic procrastination often stems from fear and perfectionism. I.e., Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of the unknown or wrongfully thinking whatever project we’re working on must be flawless or perfect.

While there’s nothing wrong with working hard to ensure the best outcome, demanding absolute perfection is a losing game that no one can win.

At times we all struggle with insecurities that hinder our ability to be the best version of ourselves.

Not pursuing our dreams because we’re too afraid to fail is a typical roadblock on our path to success, leading to stagnation through procrastination.

Self-doubt is the culprit that keeps us “frozen in fear,” unable or unwilling to take the necessary action to move forward. I think of it this way:

‘‘Fear gremlins’’ generally masquerade as self-preservation tools to save us from ourselves: thus keeping all disappointment away.

These “gremlins” usually appear when we are on the cusp of a great discovery, desired career opportunity, new love, or some other exciting passion we feel drawn to and are about to embark upon.

They earnestly whisper in our ears and into our hearts that the key to happiness is:

Low Expectations.

“Don’t get your hopes up; you lack the qualifications, credentials, background, experience, appearance…yada, yada, yada” — when nothing could be further from the truth.