3 Shocking Reasons Why You May Not Read This Blog Post

I procrastinated writing this article. For nearly a year!

Why did this happen? Especially when I give such high regard to time management skills. 

Why did I procrastinate in the first place? 

I know exactly why I procrastinated to write this article. I was on a roll writing blog posts for a while. Then I just stopped. And I think it applies to why people procrastinate:

1. I had no one to whom I was accountable to get it done (except myself).
2. I thought no one cared. So why should I?
3. I didn't know where to start.

I thought, “No one cares about reading my blog. So, why bother?”

Does this happen to you?

Now think about something you want to accomplish. Maybe it is going to the gym on a regular basis. You might think:

1. “I would go more regularly if I had a buddy to hold me accountable.”
2. “No one cares. My fitness level doesn't really effect my happiness.”
3. “When I get to the gym, I feel like a dork. I don't even know how to use the equipment or what exercises to do.”

Hmm. Did you catch the similarities between the two lists? You could probably play this game all day as you recount things you want to accomplish. Cleaning out your closet. Organizing the garage. Writing a thoughtful card to old Aunt Petunia.

Are you waiting to prove to me that you are not a procrastinator?

I changed my thinking. Then I got results.

In my case, this blog was born out of the time management and leadership classes I lead. My reasons for procrastinating were listed at the beginning of the article. It is obvious that I found a way to overcome these reasons since you are reading this completed article. Here is how I adjusted my thinking to overcome these self-imposed obstacles:

1. I had to become more accountable to myself. I wanted to immortalize the content of my instructor-led classes by putting them on the world wide web. This would benefit me as a tool and resource. Maybe one day I can compile these articles into a book. So, I set a time on my calendar each week to do research and write on behalf of my blog. 
2. I stopped focusing on people who are not reading these articles. I switched gears and thought about the people that ARE reading. I cherish the comments, likes, or shares I receive. I dwell on the positive results I have achieved. And it excites me when someone tells me this information has helped them.
3. I had to make a task list. This included research, finding free stock art, writing the article, editing, and posting. 

In summary, here are the three principles to overcoming procrastination:

1. Hold yourself accountable 
2. Find people who care 
3. Have a written plan 

Alright. It's you turn now. Apply these three principles to something that has suffered from procrastination on your part.

Give yourself a deadline. Or find a friend to hold you to a personal promise. They can check in periodically to see if you are keeping your commitment. If you are procrastinating with a work project, ask yourself, "Is my boss holding me accountable for this? If not, why am I doing it?" 

Take 15 minutes to make a written plan. List the tasks needed to complete the project. Put it on your calendar. Plan a private party for yourself to celebrate, like binge-watching that TV show or having your friend buy you a congratulatory drink if you finish on time.

Thrive on positive energy. Surround yourself with "can-do" people, not excuse-makers. It is important to have people cheering us on. Motivation kills procrastination.

Lastly, send me a quick note on how this works out for you. It will keep me from procrastinating in the future! Thanks for reading!

 (This blog series begins with 5 Mental Techniques to Master Time Management. And for more on my personal heroes, productivity tips, and articles on leadership visit 15 Minutes Per Day.)