Overcome Procrastination Forever with One Simple Strategy

A while ago, I was having a difficult time finding inspiration. Starting the day relatively early was one thing still had the ability to do, as I’m always eager for that first cup of coffee. After that, though, I was regularly losing my way. I knew what had to be done, but I kept dragging my heels about starting it. It seemed to take the strength of Atlas to move my slovenly towards anything meaningful. It was getting serious. I needed to find a way to overcome procrastination quickly.

Then, one day it all came together for me. And I’ve been able to tap into the same idea whenever I need to get inspired “on command”. Back to that in a minute.

Needing To Get Inspired

As I was going through this particularly challenging procrastination phase, I happened to re-read an old book. It brought back to me the idea that sometimes all it takes is a baby step to get our day headed in a productive direction. And it reminded me that there was hope.

Baby Steps Can Be the Key to Overcoming Procrastination

There certainly are times when obstacles seem insurmountable. But there are also times when a small step combined with the power of inertia can lead us to make progress.

And ultimately, achieve things we thought impossible.

Or at least, begin to overcome procrastination.

We just need to start. Something.

Recently, I’ve finally found the energy to address some long overdue health concerns. Nothing life threatening, but enough to make life less than optimal. I had procrastinated about it for months. Then one day, it all seemed easy. So, I picked up the phone. Made the appointment. And the next day, I showed up.

What was the key to suddenly finding the will to overcome procrastination? Let’s get to it.

What Helped Me Overcome Procrastination

Part of what motivated me, perhaps as a result of reading that old book, was a vision that began to appear to me. A vision that feels like a memory. I now summon it at times when I need to show up, hugely, but feel like I can’t even find my own way out of a paper bag.

I don’t know if this vision is from an experience in my earlier life, a movie I saw, a book I read, or if it’s just a figment my imagination has created.

He’s a conductor, standing in front of a full orchestra. He has his baton raised. His movements are gentle. A soft smile is on his lips and happiness shines in his eyes which are crinkled with a kind of wonder and love. He emits joy, and in a glance, I know he is kind. He seems to connect with everyone in the entire orchestra at the same time. It’s a miraculous energy he evokes, actually. And he utters one quiet word.

He says: “Begin.”

I have no idea where this vision comes from, but it has come to me a few times in the last few weeks when I needed it badly. And it turned out to be enough to get me started on long overdue things that were actually quite important.

To get me inspired, to help me overcome procrastination, when I needed it most.

I finally finished a particularly challenging task at work and wrote two posts I’d been mentally composing for weeks. It has also got me out the door for a much-needed walk or two.

Today, it got me through a particularly trying household chore.

These are things that shouldn’t be hard to do.

But as we all know, some days, just showing up can seem quite daunting.

We all can benefit from having a trick or two that helps us overcome procrastination, especially when there’s a lot riding on it – a need to deliver on a promise, to ourselves, or to someone else.

I wish I knew who to thank for this mental image that has become my “go-to” during times of trouble.

I have a feeling my father, who I lost 20+ years ago, may have something to do with it. He would have been 103 years old now.

Or perhaps it’s countless other friends and family gone before and since who have gathered together as they realized I needed a bit of extra help.

Or perhaps it’s simple divine intervention – my own God showing up in a way that he knew I would understand – through music.

Whoever or whatever it is that has helped give me what I needed to overcome procrastination, when it was important to do so – I’m so grateful.

It has made me realize new things. I’ve lost much on this earth. But I have a whole gaggle of angels watching over me. I’m finding energy because I feel as though I’ve somehow tapped into their inspiration more closely.

It has reminded me of the small role I play in the orchestra – but the beauty that my contribution can have.

I’m thankful for my guardian angel and his gentle but insistent prodding. There is so much good to do in this world. I hope he continues to be there as I need him. And I’m so eager to see where he and the other angels help me go in the days to come. As I continue to overcome procrastination, and who knows, maybe do great things.

Overcome Procrastination: Do Great Things!

Begin.

Sometimes, it can be that simple. So, let’s all try to get inspired today.

Who is your conductor?

Do you have a special person in your memory who could always raise your spirits?

Someone who helped you find inspiration in hard times. Maybe a former coach or teacher. Or maybe you haven’t had someone like that – but admire a celebrity or athlete who inspires you.

Whatever it is, whoever it is – harness that positive energy.

Latch onto it and find your own inspiration today. To overcome procrastination, and so much more.

Thank you as always for reading.

Want more tips about how to overcome procrastination? You got it!

If You Struggle to Start or Complete Tasks, These 13 Tips Are For You.

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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.