Diva Jefferson

Like I mentioned last month, words of wisdom should not guide you. When you believe in yourself, anything could happen. Confidence is a sure-fire way to reach your goals. Well, much better than procrastinating.

According to psychologists, procrastination can be a major source of stress and anxiety. You could detail your schedule and know everything you need to do, but something holds you back.

A false sense of security and the thought of enough time are weighing factors.

Here are some characteristics of a procrastinator:

• Low Self-Confidence - When we boast about ourselves, but inwardly couldn't see ourselves living up to our words.
• I'm Too Busy - Uses excuses to justify our reasons for being late. Not having enough time, etc
• Stubbornness - Pride shows us how vulnerable a person is to pressure, so we react in order to reassure the opposite.
• Manipulation - Making others believe they cannot start without you is unfair and only leads to tension and anxiety.
• Coping with Pressures - Since we are met with demands and expectations every day, an excuse is much easier on us.
• A Frustrated Victim - We doesn't know why we cannot get our work done like the others around us.

Do you fear rejection? Do you feel inequality with others in your work? Do you find taking care of kids and going to a day job time-consuming? Do you find deadlines to be difficult to reach?

If you answered 'yes' to any or all of these questions, you are a procrastinator.

In saying this, I feel we should be doing the cootie dance. Oh no!

Don't worry any more than you have to. It's human nature to feel this way. A simple cure is to do everything opposite. Yes, tell yourself you will learn something along the way (self-reassurance), time is an ongoing cycle in the world and you know more than you think you do.

Remember: All great writers, poets, and artists have completed work. Wouldn't you like to say you've finished yours also?

When someone praises your work, say 'Thank You' and move on to the next task.

Exercise:

• Write down something you would've completed if it weren't for procrastination. (Personal, school, or work related.)
• Write as many reasons as possible for your delay. (These are controlling influences.)
• In the "Arguments Against Delay" column, argue against all the reasons for delay (be convincing).

Reasons for Delay

1. ___________
2. ___________
3. ___________
4. ___________

Post all your findings (if you wish to share) in a comment following this post. It will not only make you feel better, but you will be one step closer from getting the motivation you need!

Read the full study here: http://www.sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl/procrastination.html

"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." -Buddha

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.

Happy writing!

Diva J.