In today’s fast-paced world, procrastination has become a modern epidemic that affects almost everyone. How to stop procrastinating is one of the most highly searched phrases in google. Try to put the first 3 words and Google will complete it for you. TRY IT!
With countless distractions at our fingertips, it’s easy to put things off and feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to accomplish our goals. As a mom creator or a momtrepreneur, you may find yourself in a constant battle with procrastination, and it’s time to put an end to it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the challenges you face and provide actionable tips to stop procrastinating and to kickstart your journey towards achieving your dreams.
The procrastination Trap: what is it and how to identify it and how to stop procrastinating?
You may often find yourself saying, “I’m too busy!” but the real question is, “Am I being productive?” The truth is, there’s a big difference between busyness and productivity. Many of us fall into the trap of being busy doing everything except what truly matters to improve our lifestyle. From scrolling through social media to adding more tasks to our never-ending to-do lists, we end up with a sense of having achieved nothing by the end of the day. Therefore, the big step towards overcoming procrastination is to separate our priorities and our liabilities.
We also heard about the imposter syndrom. Procrastination and Imposter Syndrome are two formidable adversaries that often stand between you and your dreams. Let’s delve into what they are and, more importantly, how to triumph over them.
Studies on Procrastination
If you think you’re alone in your struggle with procrastination, think again. Research shows that procrastination affects a significant percentage of the population, not just college students. Around 15% to 20% of adults are chronic procrastinators, and for about 25% of adults, procrastination is a defining personality trait.
Understanding Procrastination: The Art of Delay
Procrastination, simply put, is the art of delaying tasks. It’s that seemingly irresistible urge to postpone what needs to be done. It’s important to recognize that procrastination is not about laziness; it’s a psychological struggle that affects many people. In other words, procrastination is the act of avoiding tasks you find unenjoyable by engaging in activities you find more pleasurable, often in a passive or receptive state of mind like consuming social media. All formed by habit.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome: The Self-Doubt Dilemma
Imposter Syndrome, on the other hand, is a persistent feeling of being a fraud or that you don’t deserve your achievements. It affects almost everyone when things are not moving towards the direction we want. The “I’m not good enough concept” is somehow down there inside everyone, but it needs taming by working out some mindset muscles like self belief, self value, and aligning our values with our lifestyle , routines, and habits. It’s a phenomenon where your accomplishments are undermined by an internal belief that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be. This self-doubt can be crippling and hinder your progress.
My Personal Struggle with Procrastination and Imposter Syndrome
I’ve been there too. As a mom creator and an entrepreneur, I’ve faced my fair share of battles with procrastination and Imposter Syndrome. There are days when I don’t show up on social media or put any content whatsoever on any of my social media outlets. Sometimes, I struggle sometimes to start ablog post saying that no one will read it
But, I’ve learned that acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards conquering them. How to stop procrastinating now is no longer a question for me. Beacsue the second I feel I’m procratinating, I don’t hop on google to search ways to stop it. Instead, I invest this time doing at least one thing that will take me one step closer towards my long term goal.
How to stop procrastinating : Taming the Time Thief
I’m going to give a small example about myself. I, for example, know very well when i’m procratinating. How? I researched, read in the subject, did some soul searching and know when I have a long to do list but rather choose to make myself busy looking at instagram stories, or checking my emails, that is when I know for a fact that I’m running away from my priorities.
When I remind myself of my end goal, you would find me wrapping up everything and turning into a working machine.
How to identify between being busy and being productive
Checking your email and pretending that you gotta reply to those emails now, surprisingly considered a waste of time and should not be on your agenda as important.
According to “the 12 week year” book by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington, replying to emails and respondig to voice mails fall into the buffer block which is a second priority in your startegic plan of achieving your goals.
The book helped me identify things that delay my progress, I became much better in knowing what should be first and what should be crossed off.
That is why in the next few paragraphs I’m going to unfold the startegy of how to stop procrastinating for good in order to reach your goals faster.
Stop procrastinating now, start working on your goals. 5 actionable tips
1. Identify the Root Cause: Begin by understanding why you procrastinate. Is it due to fear of failure, a lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelmed? Pinpointing the root cause is essential.
Example: Let’s say you’ve been putting off starting your own online business. Ask yourself why. Is it the fear of not succeeding or the magnitude of the endeavor that’s holding you back? The time that you will spend doing a reasearch or the time you will miss watching your NITFLIX?
2. Set Specific Goals: Break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Specific, actionable goals make it easier to get started.
Exute using the SMART formula for your goals. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.
Example: Instead of having a vague goal like “start a business,” create a detailed plan that includes registering your business, building a website, and setting up an online store.
Time management is the foundation of improved work efficiency and productivity.
3. Time Management: Effective time management is your ally. Create a schedule that allocates time for your most important tasks and stick to it.
Example: Dedicate specific hours of your day to work on your business, ensuring you’re not distracted by other responsibilities.
If you are a mom like me then you need to manage many things and juggle many balls at the same time. We, moms, are the super heros of multitasking. However, multitasking can delay achieving your goals by 25 %.
According to David E. Mayer, director of the Brain,cognition, and action labaratory at the university of Michigan, when you mentally push a priority task and pick up a new , you increase the time to finish the priority task by at least 25 %
Therefore, you need to be smart using your time. Try using few of the time management techniques. Embrace the one that speaks out to you. Remember, there is not good method or bad method when it comes to time management. Use the one that suits you better.
4. Accountability Partner: Share your goals with a friend or mentor who can help hold you accountable. Their support can be a powerful motivator.
However, being responsible and holding yourself accountable is the main step to stop procrastinating in the first place.
Example: If you’re struggling to make progress, confide in someone who can encourage you and check in on your progress regularly.
5. Eliminate Distractions: Identify what distracts you and minimize it. This may involve turning off social media, creating a designated workspace, or finding ways to stay focused.
Example: If social media is your Achilles’ heel, consider using website blockers to limit your access during work hours.
Read one of my favourit articles on procrastination : Procrastination: A Scientific Guide on How to Stop Procrastinating
How stop procrastinating to achieve your goals faster for mompreneurs?
Being a mompreneur is a thrilling adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. From mastering the art of multitasking to conquering procrastination, here are some tips to overcome the hurdles and start working towards your goals!
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize that Imposter Syndrome is a common experience. Knowing that you’re not alone can help you gain perspective.
Example: Imagine you’ve just received praise for a project at work, but you feel like it was all a fluke. Acknowledge this feeling without judgment.
2. Record Your Achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, big and small. Reflect on how you achieved them and the skills you used.
Example: Maintain a journal of your business milestones, from your first sale to successful marketing campaigns.
3. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative self-talk by consciously reframing your thoughts. Replace self-doubt with self-affirmation.
Example: Instead of thinking, “I don’t know what I’m doing,” tell yourself, “I’ve learned a lot, and I’m capable of handling challenges.”
4. Seek Support: Share your feelings with a trusted friend or mentor who can provide encouragement and remind you of your capabilities.
Example: If you’re feeling like an imposter in your entrepreneurial journey, open up to someone who can offer guidance and support.
5. Continuous Learning: Embrace a growth mindset. Recognize that learning is a lifelong journey and that you’re constantly evolving.
Example: If you encounter a setback, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than evidence of your inadequacy.
Final thought on how to stop procrastinating and achieve graetness: Conquer, Thrive, and Soar
Procrastination and Imposter Syndrome can be formidable foes especially for mompreneurs. Although, armed with self-awareness and the right strategies, you can overcome them. How to stop procrastinating to start working on your dreams is just the cover on a bottle that is highly pressurized. If that lid is removed, it will launch a driven power towards a whole new world of potentials and possibilities. When you recognize and acknowledge the obstacles that hold you back, you will excerse the I’m good enough and I can do it muscle.
Embrace your journey as a mom creator or entrepreneur, and remember that success is often born from challenges. Get ready to be uncomfortable and get ready to do things you did not think you can do. By understanding and conquering these obstacles, you’ll be better equipped to turn your aspirations into achievements. The path to your dreams begins with the first step, and that step is yours to take. Start now!
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