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Procrastination, Perfectionism, Paralysis

Picture of TEREZ RIJKENBERG, MBA

TEREZ RIJKENBERG, MBA

Executive coach Terez Rijkenberg is an MBA graduate, author, speaker, and facilitator who blends productivity and mindset strategies to give busy executives simple ways to overcome procrastination and self-doubt. Terez is passionate about helping people achieve more success without all the stress so that they can create the ultimate life-work balance.

We often think that procrastination, perfectionism and paralysis are driven by laziness or lack of motivation or A-type behaviour. But the truth is that we procrastinate, perfect and stop taking action on our goals and habits because we want to avoid negative emotions.

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Over the past couple of weeks have you experienced any procrastination with certain tasks, putting them off for another day or time? 

What about perfectionism – where you spend hours trying to get something just right? 

And how about paralysis – sitting in the confusion of what to do or not doing anything at all!? 

We often think that procrastination, perfectionism and paralysis are driven by just the way we are, how we’ve always been. 

Some people think it’s laziness or lack of motivation or A-type behaviour.

And some people think it’s the task that’s too difficult or too ambiguous.

But the truth is that we procrastinate, perfect and stop taking action on our tasks, goals or habits because we want to avoid negative emotions – especially fear.

The fear is normal – and it happens to everyone. 

It’s also just a feeling – and invariably the uncomfortable feeling (like fear) an error in our brain trying to keep us safe from things that might kill us. 

Luckily when you’re working on a taskl, you probably won’t be in any real danger like imminent death, but we still have to deal with the fear that comes up.

So how can we feel the fear and move forward anyway?

I’d like you to consciously give yourself permission to lower the bar and do something poorly.

If you find yourself procrastinating, perfecting or stopping your momentum, just give yourself temporary permission to lower your standards and move forward anyway.

It might be messy action. That’s ok.

Your brain will probably give you all of the excuses why you shouldn’t.

But the important part is to move forward. 

Remember that not every action needs to be perfect. 

Remember that not every action we take needs to create an immediate result for us.

Remember that not every action we take needs to be risk or failure-free.

The point is to always be taking action and moving forward. 

TAKE ACTION:

  • This week become aware of when you are either procrastinating, perfecting or not taking action on certain tasks. And then give yourself permission to lower your standards temporarily to move forward.
  • Ask yourself: “What emotion am I avoiding by procrastinating, perfecting or stopping my momentum on this task?”
  • COACHING: If you find yourself continuing to procrastinate, perfect or stop taking action on certain tasks, then book a free consultation with me here.

Your coach,

Terez

Want to know more about how this can apply to YOU?

Why not sign up for a FREE 30-min consultation with me. We will explore your goals, the obstacles that are currently getting in the way and how you can overcome them. It's easy once you have a strategy.

Want to know more about how this can apply to YOU?

Why not sign up for a FREE 30-min consultation with me. We will explore your goals, the obstacles that are currently getting in the way and how you can overcome them. It's easy once you have a strategy.

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