Seriously not again...:/
Do you get it, Reader when I say that it’s one thing to say Yes to something & another to actually do it.
Gosh, I remember there was a time in my life when I was living in Kazakhstan, & I would promise one of the mom’s from the playgroup where I use to take my kids for playtime that I will meet her for a run thrice a week. Look, I had the intention for sure. I knew this run was important. I wanted to lose weight , I knew in my heart that I should be getting fitter. I should be flexing those stiff thighs & gain some endurance.
I had the awareness 100%. But, then why wasn’t I doing what really was needed to be done?
It’s because of my mighty friend called “PROCASTINATION”. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines procrastination - to put off intentionally and habitually. Yes, I had a pattern of intentionally denying the run at the last minute. I had solid reasons to do so- my motherhood responsibility, or household chores, or spending those quality time with my family instead going out for a run. And doesn't that sound valid to you?
But then, infrequently but surely I felt guilty going to bed at night the day I would cancel our run together. My inner voice would ask me why am I ignoring my needs? Why am I not attending to what I deserve? Why am I not committing to my desire that can push me beyond my inner comfort? Even when I knew it was the most important need of the hour, what is holding me back?
Years have passed by, I have reflected on this & many similar situations already & I know how procrastination slowly & creepingly sabotaged my own progress. I was self harming.
But, why do we procrastinate? Is it due to our unique character flaw or a mysterious curse on our ability to manage time? None actually.In a 2013 study, two scientists found that procrastination can be understood as “the primacy of short-term mood repair, over the longer-term pursuit of intended actions.”
Put simply, procrastination is about being more focused on “the immediate urgency of managing negative moods” than getting on with the task, Dr. Sirois said in his research paper.
Well, wasn’t I doing the same thing? I was avoiding an uncomfortable situation which involved stepping out for a run on a cold winter day. The real reasons to avoid doing so was … I knew I will be cold, I may not be able to keep up with my friend, I may start panting after 500 meters, & embarrass myself, I could lose motivation....etc. That is why all of this led me to think that arranging my wardrobe, cooking in the kitchen, or spending time with my baby instead was a pretty good & more important thing to do. I never achieved my goals for years & it turned into self loathing.
But, here I am sharing my mistakes with you. Reflecting on my past, how it all make sense. I have learnt some hard truths about life through good & bad days. And, it's incredible how what we become is totally up to us!!!
Now, I want you to self check. What are you pushing aside? Or procrastinating about? Has this become your nature? Are you putting things aside in delusion? If yes then it’s still not too late. If I can shift the pattern, then why can’t you? What are some of the important reasons you have THAT KEEPS YOU AWAY from doing the REAL WORK?
In my next mail, I shall give you handful tips to manage the feelings that trigger procrastination. It has worked for me. Stay tuned!!
Sending Best Wishes!
Love,
Ekta
Reader, you'll love this recipe for Light Green Risotto! Try it out this week and tell me if it worked for you!
eatyammy
Seriously Reader, I see this in my coaching all the time. No exception what so EVER! Habits are seductive and saves us a lot of energy and time, so when it comes to changing them, it can seem a little daunting (or a lot daunting) and scary. I was in a coaching session with my client last week. And while talking to him, I asked him on a scale of 1 to 10, how badly do you want to lose those 12 kilos? (he has fatty liver which explains his desperation to get slim). And in all GOOD SPIRIT, he...
Hey Reader, how was your week? For me it started well. But, Thursday my husband & me both went down with flu. I honestly had forgotten what it’s like to feel this sick. And the first thing that comes to mind , when your body feels weak & tired is to order a take away. I know it feels so obvious? Like seriously, it does! And although I know in my bones, the more fresh, clean & home cooked food I will eat, the sooner I will recover. I tried my best to make comforting soups for us all for two...
I don't think I have shared this with you, Reader in this detail. So about 5 years ago, while I was living with my family in Nigeria, on a lush tropical island called Bonny Island, my life took a massive turn. Everything was nice & rosy (from far) or honestly nothing was bad bad. And yet, inside I was feeling like being sucked in negativity. This continued for days, weeks & months. As days passed by, I continued feeling extremely strange. Somethings in me didn't feel right at all. Or at least...