Overcoming Procrastination

Abraham Lincoln said, "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." We build a foundation by visualizing what we want, determining our priorities, and setting goals. Once this is done, it is necessary to move forward by taking action. By standing still, we move backwards in this rapidly changing world. Action is a predecessor to success.

We all know this, but we sometimes procrastinate working on whatever it is that will bring us the most success. Often the most difficult part of taking action is getting started.

One of the best ways to start is to first develop an action plan. Writing an action plan itself requires action – the action of writing. Your action plan can be simple or complex, depending on the nature of your goal.

Once an action plan is in place, following this plan is as easy as following a recipe. The key is then to take the first step on the action plan with the knowledge that accomplishment of the goal will become much easier, once we start.

The following non-business examples will illustrate the process of developing a simple action plan:

Example #1

Jane's goal is to decrease the size of clothing she wears from a 14 to a 10. Her action plan might include these steps:

1. Visualize myself as wearing a size 10.
2. Tape pictures to the refrigerator and bathroom mirror of myself from four years ago, when I wore a size 10.
3. Consult with my doctor concerning the diet that is best for me.
4. Prepare weekly menu plans.
5. Make grocery lists before shopping for groceries.
6. Shop for groceries after meals, and buy only those foods on the list.
7. Eat only foods that are on my diet plan.
8. Walk at least 20 minutes each day.
9. Weigh and measure myself weekly.
10. Reward myself with a visit to an art museum or a movie, or by taking time to read a new book as I reach each five-pound milestone.

Example #2

John's goal is to buy a new house. He might engage in the following action plan:

1. Save money for a down payment on the new house.
2. Study information about local communities and determine where I want to live.
3. List the features that I want in my new home.
4. Visualize my new home.
5. Interview real estate agents, and select the one who will work best with me.
6. With the selected real estate agent, tour homes that are in my selected area, which have the features I want and are within my price range.
7. Revisit the homes that best match my selection criteria.
8. Make an offer to purchase the house.
9. Celebrate, and move in!

Although most action plans associated with your business goals will be longer and more complex than these examples, the process will be the same. The action plans have the following similarities:

• The steps are listed in sequential order, even though some of them are ongoing or overlapping during the process.
• Each step is measurable, i.e., you will know when the step has been completed.
• The action plans require visualization of the end result.

My last five blog posts have covered the first five success principles from my books on success. I’ve found that these five principles gain a lot of power when they are integrated. In other words, if your beliefs, visions, priorities, goals and actions are synchronized, you will be able to create much more success in your life. As when a baby is learning to walk, the first step is the most difficult. Once that first step is taken, the rest is easier.

Sigmund Freud once said, "Thought is action in rehearsal." I encourage you to rehearse your actions through thought, to develop action plans to achieve your major goals, and then to get started on following your plans.

Have you used action plans? How have they helped you in overcoming procrastination? What are some of the other things you have done to overcome procrastination?