I'm talking about those little thoughts and ideas that creep into the head and settle down under a blanket of procrastination. Often, the only time we even remember these thoughts, is when we need something to blame for how unsatisfying our lives are. 'I'm so bored! If only I'd acted on that idea to start a new hobby', 'I'm so unfit! If only I had joined a gym like my brain suggested!, 'I'm worried about money! How I wish I had sorted out all my surplus stuff and had that carboot sale I was thinking about!' See? Thinking about doing something doesn't change anything. It makes you feel better for a little while, as you imagine how much brighter your life will be once all your plans are underway, but it won't last unless you act on it.
Little Steps!
If you feel your life could use some improvement, it really doesn't matter how you go about it, so long as you are always moving forward. It might seem like a huge task to join a gym or start jogging, but why not try making a point of getting some excercise every day? Involve the children, or the dog, or even a friend. It doesn't even matter what you do, walking round the shops for an hour is better than sitting at home, so it's a start! The point is, each day you will feel a little bit better and a little bit more in control, giving you the confidence to try a little bit harder, until, eventually, the gym doesn't seem so impossible after all.
The biggest obstacle when it comes to areas where we feel intimidated or lack confidence, is the ability to put things off . Finding little reasons why it would be better to begin tomorrow or start on a Monday. One way to increase your productivity and get your life moving the way you want, is to make use of the calendar or notepad on your phone. Every time you think of something that you should have done, or an idea that you would like to try, add it to your calendar, so that it is always in your eyeline. You could even set a reminder for yourself, or have an evening of ploughing through your off-puttings. There is something remarkably satisfying about ticking off a list of unappealing or daunting tasks. I have problems with my memory, so I've taken to adding everything I think of to my phone. It really helps me stay on top of the mundane tasks that I don't fancy doing or are just too dull to remember!
Taking My Own Advice!
Personally, I have been struggling with this very blog. I have always enjoyed writing and it matters to
me that I write interesting and legible content that, perhaps, some people will actually enjoy reading. That is the basis of my blog. However, recently I have procrastinated about different directions for my blog posts and ideas about how to progress with it. I have been having a little confidence wobble, which has led to me doing nothing much at all. In turn, this makes me unhappy, because I really want the blog to be successful. So, my plan is to just get on with it and write what I want to write. Hopefully, there will be one or two people who enjoy my ramblings, and I will be being true to myself, which is really important in blogging, because it's a personal thing, after all. I am taking a notepad to bed with me to write down any ideas I think of, so they don't get lost to my sieve-like memory and I am hoping it will lead to a more interesting and fun blog. We shall see! How do you stop yourself putting things off? What would you like to change, if anything? I would love to hear your thoughts.
I am the worst for starting new things then stopping straight away even blog things I just have not got the sticking power. I think its best to write what you enjoy writing about thats always helpful I think!
ReplyDeleteThe only way I get anything done is by writing to do lists and trying to stick to a schedule when it comes to blogging. If I didn't have those, I wouldn't accomplish anything! x
ReplyDeleteI couldn't survive without my lists! Too chaotic otherwise x
ReplyDeleteI have to do lists coming out of my ears and I even send myself texts if I think of something when I'm out! I have a terrible memory and need to have things written down!
ReplyDeleteI find lists invaluable and have them everywhere ;-)
ReplyDeleteI do worry about what people think and it does stop me doing a lot of things. I guess I know everybody else is better than me at what I do so my effort look rather pathetic.
ReplyDeleteI have started making lists too as my memory is terrible
ReplyDeleteAs a freelance writer, I am the biggest procrastinator! I know exactly where you are coming from. Sometimes, we have to just bite the bullet and go for it and write like no one is actually reading, if you know what I mean. I think sometimes worrying what people will think is the biggest obstacle to actually writing anything! I think we have to remember, that if we think a certain thing, somebody out there will agree with what we're saying too. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSome good advice here....I think too much and don't do enough!
ReplyDeleteI am also a list writer as it the wife!
ReplyDeleteI make lists and try to follow them up and cross done things off... it doesn't work perfectly but it helps.
ReplyDeleteI have lots of lists - but I do procrastinate on things way too much. I'm making it my goal at the moment to walk every day in a bid to get fit again
ReplyDeleteThis was really helpful advice, thank you x
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