University Of Success Ch 21

Procrastination - A Universal Erroneous Zone

• Procrastination is a common human behavior, often described as "the art of keeping up with yesterday and avoiding today".
• The text argues that procrastination is more than just putting things off, it leads to emotional reactions like anxiety and guilt.
• Procrastination can be viewed as an escape from living fully in the present moment.

Characteristics of Procrastination

• Procrastinators often use phrases like "I hope things will work out," "I wish things were better," and "Maybe it'll be OK" to justify putting things off.
• These phrases are self-defeating and prevent individuals from taking action.
• Procrastination is a form of inertia, where individuals believe that waiting will solve their problems.

Recognizing Procrastination

• Procrastination can manifest itself in how we approach various aspects of our lives, including:
  • Avoiding difficult tasks or unpleasant situations.
  • Maintaining unhealthy relationships.
  • Avoiding necessary health checkups.
  • Using excuses like tiredness, sickness, or lack of time.

Motivations for Procrastination

• The main reasons people procrastinate include:
  • Avoiding unpleasant activities.
  • Maintaining a comfortable self-deceptive system, which allows them to avoid facing their lack of action.
  • Shifting responsibility onto external factors instead of taking ownership of their choices.
  • Avoiding the potential for failure.
  • Seeking validation or attention through criticism.

Overcoming Procrastination

• To overcome procrastination, the text suggests taking a five-minute approach to life.
• This involves focusing on the present moment and completing tasks immediately rather than postponing them.
• Recognizing the insignificance of potential consequences of taking action can be motivating.
• Engaging in activities that bring satisfaction, even for short periods, can help break the cycle of procrastination.

Living in the Now

• The text emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment.
• It emphasizes that action, not words, defines our true selves.
• By embracing the present and taking action, we can banish procrastination and live more fulfilling lives.

Procrastination

• Procrastination is a self-defeating pattern. It involves delaying or putting off tasks, often with negative consequences.
• Challenge yourself by asking if you need a critic right now. If you're being criticized, consider if you need feedback or if you're simply being targeted.
• Live life as if you have only six months left. This mindset can help prioritize your time and focus on what truly matters.
• Be courageous about taking action and avoid procrastination. Don't allow fear to paralyze you.
• Focus on doing rather than perfection. Stop striving for perfect results and instead prioritize taking action.
• Combat fatigue and illness that are often used as excuses for procrastination. Your physical health can improve when you address the underlying avoidance of tasks.
• Eliminate the words "hope,” “wish,” and “maybe” from your vocabulary. These words encourage passive waiting. Replace them with proactive statements like "I will make it happen."
• Keep a journal of your critical or complaining behavior. Documenting these instances can help you identify patterns and decrease your tendency to criticize.
• Share your procrastination challenges with others involved. This can help you gain perspective and develop a plan.
• Create a contract with loved ones regarding actions you'd like to accomplish. This builds accountability and encourages progress.
• Focus on taking action rather than complaining. Change your world by making a difference, not by simply complaining about it.
• Live in the present moment, not in the anxieties of procrastination. Take charge of your time and be a doer, not a wisher, hoper, or critic.