“We have left undone those things which we ought to have done.” - The Book Of Common Prayer
I’d like you to stop right now and make a list of all the things you’ve been putting off in regard to your business.
[Pause]
Well, now that you have that list on paper [or at least in your head], what would you say is the reason that you haven’t been willing to tackle these issues? Is it procrastination? Or is it laziness, fear of success or because you have too much to do?
You probably answered yes to at least one of these. However, the truth is: procrastination is not a cause, but is rather a result of attitudes and conditions. Let’s list some of the causes of procrastination:
- you’re afraid of success
- your goals are unclear
- you don’t know how to approach a problem
- health challenges
- poor self-image
- lack of the necessary learning to handle the issue
- lack of organization
- negativity
- shyness
How often have you allowed one of these attitudes to convince you not to do something?
The First Step
The first step in overcoming procrastination is not focusing on the procrastination. Instead, focus on one of the things on your list, one of the things you’ve been putting off. Determine what is keeping you from doing the task.
Be honest. Don’t make excuses. Don’t blame others. If it’s a task that needs to be done, then your goal is to figure out how to accomplish it.
Write out a list of what it will take to accomplish this task. This step serves to create order, and it jump-starts your creative juices.
For some, writing out a list is almost impossible. An alternative is to inspire your process by picking out something to do related to the task and do it. Then do another thing related to the task. Eventually, you will have enough elements of the task completed that you will be inspired to complete it.
Article writing is an important task for solopreneurs. However, it falls prey to procrastination and becomes a huge obstacle for many. Some think you have to know what you’re going to say before you start or at least have an outline. Consequently, they never manage to get articles written.
You don’t have to do either. You should decide on a topic. Then sit down at your computer and start writing from your heart. Take your time. Allow yourself to see what you’ve written out and imagine where your thought processes should go from there. The next thing you know – you’ll have an article written!
Monitor Yourself
This is just a first step in overcoming procrastination, but it is an important one. It forces you to turn your attention away from the causes of your procrastination. Then it centers your focus on the steps necessary to complete your task.
Don’t expect this to always be a pleasant exercise. The attitudes and conditions that caused you to procrastinate will continue to voice their opinions in your head.. It is up to you whether you direct your attention to their whining or instead keep a clear eye on the task at hand. It is up to you to monitor your reactions if you really want to succeed as a solopreneur.
All the best on your quest,
Dannye Williamsen
©2009
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, sign up for my Tweaking Your Life! ezine and receive a bonus report – The 12-step Business Plan for the Solopreneur. If you need help giving up self-limiting beliefs, behaviors and decisions so that you can restore joy and a sense of control in your life, check out my coaching services.
