58 - Handling Procrastination

IN THIS EPISODE:
Annaliese and Alan explore the common reasons we procrastinate and share actionable strategies to help us follow through on our commitments more consistently. Annaliese emphasizes the value of becoming aware of our personal procrastination patterns, recognizing why we avoid tasks, and reminding ourselves that we have what we need to take action and stop procrastinating.

YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:
- Procrastination is a stress coping reflex that encourages avoiding action instead of moving forward.  
- How fear and feelings of inadequacy can trigger procrastination. Where might this be the reason behind your delays and what support you need to overcome it? 
- Procrastination might be driven by convenience, and a sense of unfairness or laziness, with thoughts that waiting for more motivation or a better mood will make things easier. Where might this be holding you back and what do you need more than just comfort or convenience in these areas?  
- Perfectionism and comparison can lead to procrastination, making you feel like others have figured out the “right” way while you haven’t. Where does this mindset shows up for you? What accessible, realistic standards can you set that would work best for your situation?  
- The importance of taking action to move forward. Recognize why it matters so much to you to follow through on certain tasks.

HANDLING PROCRASTINATION DIFFERENTLY: 
- Notice what actions you’re avoiding. Ask yourself:  
  - Why is procrastination telling me to avoid this?  
  - What am I worried will happen if I take action?  
  - What cost do I fear? Are these assumptions valid?  
- Identify why this task, project, or goal is still on your mind:  
  - What’s the deeper reason for wanting to follow through?  
  - Why is this task important to me?  
  - What simple forward actions could I begin with?  
- Choose one simple, accessible action you can take to start moving forward:  
  - Break the task into smaller steps (e.g., four steps).  
  - Set a short timeframe for starting (e.g., only 15 minutes).  
  - Remind yourself of your “why” and how accomplishing this will make you feel.

FEELINGS ASSOCIATED WITH PROCRASTINATION vs FOLLOWING THROUGH: 
- Procrastination: Avoiding, weighed down, guilty, pressure, anxiety, overwhelm 
- Following Through: Satisfaction, lightness, peace, resolution, relief

FREE DISCOVERY COACHING CHAT: 
- Experience 1 hour of personal coaching with Annaliese! Visit www.linktree.com/coachannaliese to schedule your FREE, 1-hour Discovery Chat and get tips to make real changes in your life.

Listen in today for more encouragement in how you handle your own procrastination patterns, and help yourself move forward more intentionally!