The Hidden Enemy of Confidence and Achievement

The word "procrastination" comes from the Latin word "procrastinare," which means "to delay until tomorrow."

So even the ancient Romans knew the struggle!

Everyone struggles with procrastination to various degrees.

When we are working on something, it means we are procrastinating on something else.

Some have more issues with procrastination than others, believe me as a former chronic procrastinator I would know!

The problem with procrastination is not just the act of delaying tasks, but in the relentless grip it has on our lives.

Procrastination breeds stress, anxiety, and self-doubt.

It robs us of the joy of accomplishment, leaving us drowning in a sea of unfulfilled dreams.

And the most heartbreaking part? It separates us from our true potential.

But, once we take up the proverbial sword and slay the procrastination dragon our lives improve drastically:

• Improved confidence: Believe in your abilities.

• Reduced stress: Eliminate last-minute rushes.

• Greater sense of achievement: Accomplish goals.

• Enhanced self-discipline: Develop a strong work ethic.

• Enjoyment of free time: Experience guilt-free relaxation.

How Procrastination Works

• When you look at something you really don’t want to do areas of the brain associated with pain light up (insular cortex)

• Your brain naturally tries to stop that negative stimulation by switch your attention to something else

• Researchers discovered: not long after beginning to work on an uncomfortable task that neural discomfort disappeared

The process happens within seconds, and this is what it looks like:

1. Cue causes tiny bit of unease

2. You funnel attention onto a more pleasant task

3. Feel happier (temporarily)

Use the Pomodoro technique

1. Remove all distractions and interruptions

2. Set a timer to 25 minutes

3. Focus on task

4. Reward yourself for a job well done

The reward can be something small such as; a piece of chocolate, stretching, chatting. Anything pleasant you enjoy so that your brain is able to enjoy changing focus for a while.

Summary

Procrastination is naturally something we all struggle with to different degrees.

It switches our focused from the perceived painful task to something more enjoyable.

We can combat it using the simple, yet highly effective Pomodoro technique

The initial neural discomfort is quickly replaced by feelings of achievement.

Next Steps

Use this tool whenever you are faced with a task you perceive to be uncomfortable yet important for your development.

If you are interested in learning more about Pomodoro and learning in general, I encourage you to check out this impactful course (free resource)

Thanks for your precious time, and until next time happy learning!

Jason