It’s February 2022.
Have you started putting off or completely stopped the new habit(s) you were excited about just one short month ago?
You’re not alone. According to Forbes, nearly 80 percent of people will abandon their New Year’s Resolutions by February. Even before that many of us find ourselves procrastinating on engaging in the new habit or behavior.
Of course, the inner critic (aka negative self-talk) has plenty to say about procrastination. I know, mine is loud and clear when procrastination kicks in. It loops statements like:
“Stop being lazy.”
“If you had more willpower you could do it.”
“I knew you wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Self-criticism can make us feel worse about ourselves causing us to sink deeper into delaying the action. And so, the vicious cycle continues.
Procrastination as Protection
In reality, procrastination, or the action of not taking action, is actually a form of self-protection
When I procrastinate, I can avoid failure.
When I procrastinate, I can avoid making decisions that may be “wrong.”
When I procrastinate, I do not have to deal with actions that bring about difficult feelings.
When I procrastinate, I don’t have to be embarrassed by the outcome.
When I procrastinate, I don’t have to step into an unfamiliar situation.
All of the above reasons plus many more play a role in why we delay what we set out to do. Although we may have the sense that procrastinating will protect us, we often end up feeling worse about ourselves after we’ve put off a change we are trying to make. This may leave you wondering how you are EVER going to implement your new habit if you find yourself procrastinating and stuck in this cycle.
How is Procrastination Protecting You?
Checking in with yourself to see how the procrastination you are engaging in is protecting you can help. Ask yourself:
What is the underlying feeling beneath this procrastination? Is my procrastination about avoiding this feeling?
What could happen if I continue to procrastinate on this?
How am I thinking about or talking to myself about this? Can I be kinder to myself?
What could happen if I don’t procrastinate on this?
What is the next small step (10-minutes to complete) that feels safe that I can take to move forward?
How can I reward myself for completing this step?
Overcoming procrastination is possible. Asking yourself the questions above can help you to determine why it’s happening and what action to take next. Seeking support or an accountability partner that you touch base with can also help you move forward.
Do you find yourself procrastinating? Schedule a complimentary coaching call here so I can help you take action today.
