The Vicious Cycle of Procrastination and Guilt

 Procrastination can be insidious. It can take over your life and keep you from achieving your goals; it can hold you prisoner. When you put things off, it’s likely that you’ll soon start to feel guilty for doing so. We’re taught that being productive and accomplishing a lot makes you a good person. It’s this belief that can contribute to making us feel so bad when we fall behind. This vicious cycle can be incredibly difficult to break. It is possible, though. Read the tips below to take charge of your time and to become more productive and intentional.

Reason for Procrastination

There are numerous reasons why we procrastinate. I’ve covered some of these in past blog posts already and shared my own story of perfectionism. Fear, insecurity, anxiety, and self-doubt are big ones that can keep you from taking on tasks immediately. Then there’s the concept of perfectionism we’ve touched upon. When you feel everything must be just right, you’re more apt to hesitate on getting a job done. When it comes right down to it, though, your mood may be a big contributor to procrastination. You simply don’t feel like doing the thing sometimes and wait for a time that feels right. However, that time often comes too late or doesn’t come at all, leaving you feeling stressed and guilty. This is why I teach members in A Pilgrimage to Self Lifestyle Coaching Membership to concentrate on the Top 3 things each day that will make a difference in their lives.

The Procrastination and Guilt Cycle

This tendency to procrastinate and then to feel guilty about it often becomes a cycle that’s hard to break...it's like getting on the same hamster wheel each morning. Your guilt can intensify to the point of not being able to complete even simple tasks, leading you to feel overwhelmed and bad about yourself. These feelings become a downward spiral of inaction from which you may find escape difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your feelings and your mood in order to stop the procrastination and guilt cycle for good.

How to Overcome This Trap

First, it’s a good idea to examine why it is you’re procrastinating in the first place. When you’re able to find a reason for the delay, you’re better able to overcome the problem. You can logically work to dispute the issue when you know its roots. Once you’ve determined the cause for your procrastination, find a way to simply get started, even if that means taking a very small step. I often ask, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer is "One bite at a time." Breaking a large task down into parts can make it seem less daunting. Once you begin, each small action will build until you start to notice progress and you’re motivated to keep going. Forgive yourself if you do find you’ve procrastinated a bit longer than you’d hoped. You’re human. If you allow yourself to slide once in a while, you’re less apt to fall into the cycle of guilt.

Keep this information in mind the next time you notice yourself being overwhelmed by a seemingly unending loop of procrastination and guilt. Stopping to assess the situation, recognize your feelings, and take action will set you back on track in no time.

 Until next time...

Lisa

P.S. Motivation and momentum are topics we cover in the monthly membership, A Pilgrimage to Self...the membership teaches life management skills that lead to living an Intentional Life with clarity, purpose, and direction. I created the PATHS to help women discover, design, and develop the actionable steps to living free from self-doubt, lack mindset, and unworthiness. In the first month, members walk the PATHS of Self-Awareness, Reflection, Goal Setting, and Gratitude to set their personal intentions. Once a focus goal is established, we design a plan of action that will move along with the next right steps. Each step on the PATH leads to achievement, success, and celebration. The women in the membership have made a commitment to personal development and growth, are willing to do the exercises and make the changes that will transform their lives, and are tired of the same old same old...they're ready to get off the hamster wheel and start living their best lives. Are YOU ready? Start Your Journey HERE with A Pilgrimage to Self