I recently published my first book, Splash
Into Calm. In the process of writing I realized how easy it is to put off
what I had to accomplish. I could have easily thwarted my progress if I had not
taken measures to ensure I stayed on task. I was lucky to be writing about the
very techniques that help with procrastination, so I had a full toolbox of
useful ideas.
This quote from Julia Cameron brings us to another layer of
procrastination:We
must work with what we have rather than languish in complaints over what we
have not.
This is at the heart of what keeps you stuck. You cannot be great at
everything. Unfortunately, people often use their weaknesses as excuses to
quit, rather than cultivate their strong points. For example, when I began to
write my book, I knew that grammar was not my strong suit. My children and
husband have a sophisticated command of the English language that I lack. I
almost quit before I began, until my wise advisor reminded me that there are
trained professionals who can fill in where I lack skill. What I do possess is
knowledge and experience of the practices and philosophies contained in my
book. I also have my own style of effectively communicating concepts that stay
true to my voice and those I want to reach. As I continued to forge forward, I
dove in deeper and honed the skills that were already inherent within.
There are always options available. You can get help or hire someone to
do the parts that either you do not want to do or are incapable of
accomplishing, so the only thing that holds you back is fear.
The main ally to procrastination is fear and it shows up in many forms:
We fear that we will never finish. We fear reality. We fear that we never
measure up. We even fear success. Each of these fears can be destructive to
your progress in completing your book.
There are a few things that I found helpful in overcoming
procrastination while completing my book. I believe these strategies will
work for anything you want to accomplish:
• Guidance: Find someone who can help you—you cannot do everything on our
own.
• Structure: Due dates and a step-by-step process (there can be some
flexibility here) are vital.
• Positive people: Surround yourself with those who are supportive.
• Accountability: Find someone who can help you create a timeline, and
then report your progress.
• Keep it simple: Easy,
step-by-step, bite size pieces will work most effectively.
• Know your strengths: Focus on what feels natural for you and then decide
if you need accountability or someone else to help with the rest.
• Praise: Each step of the way, give yourself a pat on the back (or your
shoulder if you can’t reach your back) for beginning. Reward yourself in some
small way.
One final note—after completing this article I felt relieved and happy
and am now free to indulge in a well-deserved pedicure. Goodbye
procrastination, hello relaxation!
________________
Consultant,
speaker, author and teacher, Ellen is the President of Custom Calm and the author
of Splash Into Calm. Ellen has extensive training in the area of
transforming stress and pain into productive, life enhancing solutions. She teaches and consults at the Cancer Support Community, Weinstein
Adult Day Program, and businesses. 
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