PROCRASTINATION

The enemy is found within - not externally.

This very intelligent enemy is very predictable, subtle, consistent and affects almost everybody.

Procrastination is not simply laziness but rather rooted in self-doubt and possibly fear and is thus a much more serious internal enemy. This enemy is with you 24/7 and is relentlessly trying to keep you from achieving your dreams and goals.

Laziness is simply wasting time and doing nothing useful. That's an attitude thing and a choice you make.

Procrastinating is when we DO have tasks, a project, a goal maybe even driven by a personal vision, but we simply don't get started. We don't even prioritize the tasks or figure out what is worth pursuing. Maybe we fear the disappointment we will feel when our project does not work out?

Let's say you want to write a book, loose some weight, start a freelance career, become an entrepreneur or buckle down to that artwork you wanted to create for years already?

Any pursuit that requires a long-term commitment coupled to action with an uncertain or delayed outcome will almost always turn to self-doubt or fear on that road. Now the enemy can strike. The risk factor is not in terms of money or time invested but the risk is when we complete the project and it fails in our own eyes. That's what the enemy within will keep on telling us.

That internal resistance produces the procrastination with a certainty like the force of gravity and thus prevents you from achieving your long term goal.

One of the best little books I have read recently in this regard is Steven Pressfield's DO THE WORK. This booklet is not simply about procrastination but reaches much further.

Don't be discouraged by "hitting the wall" of your internal resistance but grab this book and read it in an hour or two. Then get started. It might save your creative-work career.

Coming to think of it, it might save your professional life!

Dietmar

Thanks for reading my blog.