Therefore, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to break the pattern.
The first thing to do is to become conscious about our procrastination pattern. This is the moment when we know we should be doing something else instead of avoiding. The thing is, if we don’t take immediate action, we soon start making excuses (it’s our brain talking!) for our behaviour pattern and nothing changes. And the cycle starts again and again…
What is that for you? Is that wanting another job or that promotion but not taking any actions to change the situation? Or wanting to live a proactive lifestyle?
Whatever it is, you can change your current situation. But you knew this already, right? Knowing is not enough; taking the necessary steps to make it happen, is key!
Our brain is programmed to stop us from doing things, we are uncomfortable, uncertain, or scared. It’s up to us to learn how to move from idea to action. A while ago I read about the 5 second rule a simple trick to outsmart the brain. I’ve included this rule in the third step as this will literally move you to action, try it!
Here are 3 steps to help you break the pattern:
1) Recognise the procrastination pattern > the excuse you tell yourself for not doing something
2) Know what you want > for example, ‘make an appointment with my manager to talk about that promotion’
3) Take immediate action by counting backwards 5,4,3,2,1 and before you hit 1 you should be literally grabbing your laptop to write an email asking your manager for a meeting.
If you don’t act within 5 seconds, the brain will kick into full gear and sabotages any change in behaviour. But if you do, you will create momentum and progress and therefore you will get closer to your goal. Practicing this new behaviour will make you happier and more productive!
Try it, and let me know how it went. Love to hear from you!