Ok, so I know that’s a lofty title. All I can say is that this is the best way that I have discovered to fight and defeat my own procrastination tendencies.
Before I reveal it, let me back it up a little. When I say procrastination, I mean avoidance of doing what you should to, want to do, need to do, what would be in your best interest to do, out of fear or lack of confidence or general lack of focus. I’m not talking about laziness here.
This works for all tasks that you may be avoiding, but primarily I’m talking about the big stuff here. For me, it is writing a book. Building my Tarot empire. Getting in shape. What is it for you?
What is working for me, right now, is committing to do something each and everyday, for a certain length of time. Or, committing to do something each week, no exceptions.
I know this isn’t rocket science, but it works. This approach brings in personal accountability, especially for those of us who lean towards perfectionism and tend to paralyze ourselves. It becomes a game, or a challenge, something that brings a definite feeling of achievement. Something is at stake.
It is also powerful to announce to the world what you are doing, so that you have some outside accountability as well, and the helpful energy of friends to back you up and keep you going.
For example, I have committed to posting one short video on Instagram and Facebook every day for the month of May. I don’t intend to do them daily after that, but I know that this is going to start a habit for me that I can commit to continuing. It has been challenging, I have to admit, but that commitment has kept me doing it, even on days when I thought I couldn’t make the time or I just didn’t know what the heck I was going to say.
Also, I have committed to writing at least one blog post per week, for the rest of the year. That’s why I’m writing this right now! I am in the process of creating a blog series, so there is greater continuity and high value, but right now, I’m just forcing myself to write consistently.
Finally, I am committing to working on my book daily. That is the big one, the tough one, the one I want most and yet resist most.
And because I’m a Tarot person, I call on certain cards to support me and inspire me in this process.
Here are six cards that I think are some of the strongest opponents to procrastination.
Justice. Take responsibility for your work, your life, yourself. Make a LAW for yourself, and abide by it.
Eight of Pentacles. Buckle down and do the work. Don’t over think it, just start and keep on going. Focus on the task at hand.
The Chariot. Focus your will and stay on target. Make sure you know where you’re heading, rather than just spinning your wheels.
Eight of Cups. Don’t let your comfort zone be the force that supports your procrastination. When you are passionate about something, pursue it whole-heartedly even in it takes you out into the unknown.
Strength. Be patient with yourself, but firm. When those forces of resistance and self-doubt arise, acknowledge them but then just tell them to quiet down. Rise above your ego.
Queen of Wands. Know your own power. Get excited about the work you know you are meant to do. Approach it with confidence, joy, a sense of humor, and enthusiasm about the magic you are going to create.
Did I miss any? Let me know! Honestly, as I look at the cards I can see a helpful message in each and every one.
And, by the way, you know you got this, right? You can achieve anything you put your mind to, you just need to get started and stick with it. Let’s do this together, what are you committing to right now?
Thanks for this!