Overcoming your procrastination - learn by DOING!

I wrote a post this week talking about how I sometimes push off doing new things, especially in business, because I don't know how to get started [yet]. This is a very real issue that impacts our productivity in a corporate office, on a factory floor, in a networking setting, or in our small business efforts.

Starting something new can stop us in our tracks - it's a natural reaction - but I am not sure we are always aware of the reason we get stuck. So I thought we could look at why we hesitate to get started and then find a few ways to break through the blockage and get to it.

Mel Robbins has a great philosophy called the 5-second rule. She outlines the entire concept in a book - you can get her book here* - but here is the gist of it:

The 5-second rule means that when you need to do something you are putting off, you should count backward from 5 to 1, and as soon as you reach 1, you just start doing it. Essentially eliminating hesitation by taking action within those 5 seconds; this technique is designed to help people overcome the urge to procrastinate and get to doing the task they are avoiding. 

Key points about the 5-second rule:

• Immediate action: Act as soon as you start counting, preventing your brain from coming up with excuses to avoid starting. 

• Overcoming procrastination: By forcing yourself to move within 5 seconds, you bypass the tendency to overthink and delay your task. 

• Momentum builder: This simple act can set the tone for productivity by giving you an initial burst of momentum. 

Back to some of the reasons we hesitate.

• Fear of Failure: The fear of not doing something perfectly or making mistakes can be overwhelming. We often worry about the consequences of failure, such as disappointing others or damaging our reputation.

• Lack of Confidence: When faced with a new task, we sometimes feel we lack the necessary skills or experience. This self-doubt can make us hesitant to start.

• Uncertainty and Complexity: New tasks can seem daunting if they involve unfamiliar processes or technologies. The complexity of the task can make it difficult to know where to begin.

All of these reasons are valid and real - but there are ways for each of us to push forward and overcome that self-stalling behavior so we can get to the business at hand. Here are a few simple ways to overcome that hesitation and GET STARTED!

• Break Down the Task: Divide the task into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes the task less overwhelming and allows you to focus on one step at a time. By completing each step, you build momentum and confidence.

• Seek Guidance and Resources: Look for tutorials, guides, or mentors who can provide support and guidance. Learning from others who have completed similar tasks can help reduce uncertainty and build confidence.

• Embrace Learning as a Process: View the task as an opportunity to learn and grow. Recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process and that every successful person has faced similar challenges. Starting with small, low-stakes experiments can help you build confidence and develop skills gradually.

When you get started, using these strategies you can overcome the fear of taking on new tasks and move forward with confidence. Remember, the key is to start small and be consistent in your efforts.

Once you start applying these efforts to the things you avoid, you'll find tackling your next challenge a bit easier. Hope this helps you find some extra motivation to get unstuck and start succeeding. You've got this!

*Full disclosure - If you order using my link, I may receive credit or commission on the purchase.