Four Antidotes to Procrastination

Four Antidotes to Procrastination
Sometimes, that decision to "just check one thing" before you focus on a task might derail your progress. Shutterstock
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Lately I’ve been procrastinating a bit more than normal, and of course it doesn’t feel great.

The truth is, though, that there are a number of good reasons for my procrastination:
  1. I’ve had some serious jetlag and sleep issues, which means my mind is tired and just needs some rest. So I am trying to be patient and take care of myself.
  2. I’ve had a lot on my plate, and it’s been overwhelming. Not just work stuff (though there’s lots of that), but family stuff too. So instead of holding myself to impossible standards, I have to be compassionate and allow myself to create some space, to simplify, to find a path that works for me.
  3. I’m pushing myself into lots of uncertain territory this year. That brings up fears. I’ve been running from those fears at times, through procrastination. This is natural, and I shouldn’t beat myself up for it. Instead, I can be compassionate, and mindful, and find a path forward.
So if it’s not such a bad thing, my procrastination, and I shouldn’t beat myself up about it… problem solved, right? Or actually there’s no problem at all?
Leo Babauta
Leo Babauta
Author
Leo Babauta is the author of six books and the writer of Zen Habits, a blog with over 2 million subscribers. Visit ZenHabits.net
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