Are you having trouble doing the things you know you should or would like to do? Procrastination is the habit of delaying a task or goal by distracting yourself with something easier, more enjoyable and often less urgent. While it can seem fun, gratifying and even productive in the moment, it ultimately prevents you from getting where you really want to be. In this episode, Jen shares three practical tips to ditch procrastination so you can get on with achieving your goals.
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SHOWNOTES
This morning was cold, heavily overcast and black clouds were all around. But I got out of my Jeep, got ready to surf and walked tall into the ocean. I didn’t think; I just did it.
I got into the water and thought, “Oh, that’s cold!”
You see, Summer has left Australia, and Autumn is here, so it’s only going to get cooler in the next few months.
I wouldn’t have always done this, charged into the ocean on a cold morning. So what changed?
My why changed. Because of that, I stopped being a sook about the cold water, and now I surf right through Winter, and I love it – even though it’s bloody freezing! Some days I have to stay under the water and hold the fins because it’s warmer in the ocean than out of it.
So, how do you move past procrastination and into action?
I apply the same discipline to my surfing now that I used to with going to bed on time and getting up straight away. This is my way around procrastination.
1. Make the decision once
I’ve decided that I’m surfing five days a week to get better at it. No matter the conditions. I have made that decision once and now I surf every day. So, I don’t need to look out the window and decide every day whether I’ll surf or not – the decision has already been made.
2. Determine your ‘why’
What I know for sure is that as human beings, we devote a lot of energy to beating ourselves up for the things we haven’t done in our lives. So, RIGHT NOW, do yourself an enormous favour and let yourself off the hook for anything that you’ve ever wanted to do but haven’t. You can’t live into your future when you’re hanging onto your past.
Once you’ve done that, look at the why behind what you want to do. I want to surf because:
- It gives me better balance
- It helps me age slower
- I get to chill with cool peeps
- It makes me feel good
- It’s fun
My why is enough to motivate me to get out and surf every morning.
3. Implement the 5 Second Rule
Sometimes our procrastination happens because we get too much in our own head. Mel Robbins, TED Talk sensation and author of the 5 Second Rule (check her out if you’re not familiar with her work – super cool chick), recommends counting down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and taking action before you have the chance to stop and think.
Don’t give yourself to think and analyze. Take action and course-correct along the way. Try it; you’ll be amazed at how effective it is.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I am determined not to end my life wondering what if…? Action these steps, and you won’t have to.
Healthy Life Hacks
So, the healthy life hacks I want to leave you with today are:
- Determine your why – and make it big enough to motivate you
- Make the decision once and get cracking
- Try the 5 Second Rule – Countdown 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – and go!
Did you enjoy the podcast today? Please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Every month I draw one lucky reviewer to have a free one-hour consultation with me. Also, remember to subscribe wherever you’re tuning in from so that you always catch the next episode.
Are you looking for more great resources? Get a free copy of my Feed Your Body ebook here and be sure to explore my blog while you are there.
