From overwhelm to action: defeat procrastination today!
‘I procrastinate when I have too much to do’, a masterclass attendee told me recently.
It made me stop for a moment and think about all the times I have procrastinated.
When I’m lacking motivation.
When I’m scared of failing (hello course creation project…!)
When all the shiny new things distract me.
And when I’m feeling completely overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
Procrastination due to overwhelm is a growing issue – at least, it seems that way from some of the conversations I’ve been having lately. More and more people seem to be increasingly under pressure to do more with less, both at home and at work. They are struggling to prioritise what’s really important, to make decisions and to take the necessary action to get the essential things done.
It's really easy to slide into doing ‘busy’ and often unnecessary work instead of what really matters. Especially when you feel overwhelmed and exhausted.
It can be hard to overcoming procrastination caused by overwhelm but it can be done. A few suggestions are:
Break it down: Divide the overwhelming task into smaller, more manageable subtasks. Breaking it down into smaller steps makes it feel less daunting and allows you to tackle each part one at a time.
Prioritise and plan: Create a clear plan of action by prioritising your tasks. Determine which tasks are most important and start with them. Break your day or week into smaller segments and allocate specific time slots for each task. This helps create a sense of structure and prevents the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Set realistic goals: Be realistic about what you can accomplish within a given timeframe. I’m really good at underestimating how long something will take, so while I try and avoid setting overly ambitious expectations, I’ve learned to build in a buffer in case (i.e. when) things take longer than I expect.
Get an accountability buddy: Share your goals and deadlines with someone you trust. It might be your boss, or it might be a friend, colleague, or mentor. Telling people what you want to achieve means you’re more likely to achieve it – especially as their support can help you stay on track when you’re ready to procrastinate again!
Prioritise self-care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Ensure you get enough sleep, rest and exercise, and practice stress management techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. A healthier mind and body can contribute to increased productivity and focus.
Remember, overcoming overwhelm and procrastination takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your successes – and progress – along the way.
