Procrastination gets us all at one time or another, doesn’t it. Even if you’re the most studious in whatever you’re doing, there will be moments when you hit a wall and don’t want to do anything. Or, want to do everything but what you need to do. It may feel good to get another task done, and like you’re still being productive, but it doesn’t matter how you dress it up, it’s still procrastination.
If you’re not meant to be doing it, then cleaning your house, organizing your drawers, gardening, shying away from the one task on your to-do list that you must complete, then it’s procrastination. Yes, even if you are doing other work. Especially if you are doing work that doesn’t need to be done right now, or maybe ever.
I used to think that as long as I was writing, I was being a good little girl and getting my work done. Sometimes, certain projects took over, and others were left to wait it out. Usually, it works out nicely. Work for clients always takes precedent over my own projects because, well, they’re paying me. Plus, there’s that whole reputation thing and people tend to complain if you tell them that you’re more important than whatever it is they’re paying you to do.
Fair.
If I was doing something to build an audience, or to get that idea that just popped into my mind down on paper (er, computer screen), then it was okay. I was still working, so obviously there was no harm no foul. 10 months later…and…I’m still staring at that goal I made months ago, barely able to inch forward. I’m using the excuse of writing here on Medium, looking for new freelance jobs, and thinking of new projects (yep, even more, because why would I finish a project when I could start a new one) to not work on my own project.
For me, imposter syndrome is what derails my plans to get cracking on that project, complete it, and send it out into the world. For a lot of people, without any research done at all on the topic, I’m sure that’s the same reason. It’s easier to procrastinate, do something else, start a new project, than to finish one and succumb to the possibility of bad comments. Who would want to crush their dreams, even if a few people are balking at them, when they could keep it alive by never finishing anything?
While you may feel like you’re accomplishing a lot, you’re really not when it comes to the most important things. So, what can you do? Well, for one, just do the damn project. Find out what is stopping you from moving forward. Are you not interested in it anymore? Is imposter syndrome hitting you hard? Have you been working too long and just need a break? Do you need to get some small tasks out of the way to feel accomplished before you hit the bigger ones?
When I was working in an office, I used to make a list of everything I needed to do that day. While I was having my coffee and slowly starting my day, I crossed off most of the easy things on my list right away, leaving a few for when my brain felt tired and sad. It made me feel like I had already accomplished so much and I could ride that high while I tackled the big things I had been putting off. Sometimes, a conversation with another co-worker to clear my brain and add some happy hormones to my body was enough to get me going.
Find whatever makes you feel like you’re ready to get back to working and stick with it until that doesn’t feel like it’s working. It’s always good practice to pivot in everything you do, whenever it’s needed.
Now get out there, stop procrastinating by reading this post, and get those projects done.
Juniper and Daisies 