Four Things Your Procrastination Might Be Trying to Tell You

"Procrastination is the thief of time: Year after year it steals, till all are fled." -- Edward Jones

You don't have to look far to find someone recommending that you stop procrastinating and get moving on the things that matter most to you. "Bit by bit" they will tell you. "Just do it" claims Nike. You look around and see people "pushing through" and "getting it done," so why are you stuck not doing something that you KNOW will move you closer to that big goal you have set for yourself?

Procrastination sneaks up on everyone from time to time. It doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. While I agree with the idea that we need to maintain continuous consistent action to achieve our goals, I also think it's important to recognize that procrastination may also have a purpose.

Our grind culture wants us to believe that we can outwork, out meditate, and out vibe uncomfortable emotions. The truth is that uncomfortable emotions won't go away until they are addressed. We are taught that willpower alone is the difference between procrastinating and taking action. The truth is that procrastination comes with a message, and the message must be heard, honored, and healed before you will be willing to move into massive action (or any action at all). Here are four messages I've learned to look for when I find myself procrastinating.

1. Confirm Your Priorities

Many years ago when I first started working with my coach, I answered the question "what are you procrastinating on?" the same way for at least three months. Every time we would meet, I would write "cleaning my house" under that question. I shuffled through these reasons for not doing it: "I'm just not getting to it." "I keep running out of time." "Other things keep having higher priority."

She finally told me that she didn't want to see it on my list anymore. I had to choose to either clean the house, spend the money to hire a housekeeper, or just accept that it just wasn't that important to me. As it turns out, it is more important to me to HAVE a clean house than it is to CLEAN the house. I hired a housekeeper.

Sometimes when something keeps falling to the bottom of the list, you are demonstrating to yourself that it's not as important to you as you thought it was. Ask yourself:

• Is this something that really matters to me?

• Is there someone who could do it for me?

• Is it something that should be tabled for a while?

2. You're Not Ready

Sometimes we find ourselves putting things off because we don't want to admit that we aren't ready for that step. While we are never going to be 100% ready before we take a bold step, sometimes procrastination is pointing to things that need to happen first.

I noticed recently that I was not sending out emails that I had committed to sending out. After two days of letting other things be more important, I took a look at what was holding me back. Well, the point of the emails was to get people to visit my website. Was it ready? It certainly isn't perfect, but it was close enough. Or was it? The booking pages on my site weren't ready. I didn't want to send people to the website and then have them not be able to book. So I put up a temporary way for people to reach out to me and book appointments. Problem solved! The infrastructure wasn't ready. Time to send some emails!

Two more days passed. No emails got sent. Hmmm.... time for a mindset check. Yep! Confidence and clarity are all in place. I did my meditation to keep me feeling good and ... nothing happened. Why?

Because I wasn't comfortable with the content of the email. The content needed time and attention. More importantly, I had no idea how to say what I wanted to say. I needed to get some help.

Not being ready matters. It's a sign that we need more information, more practice, more help - more time. When this feels like the reason you're procrastinating, ask yourself these types of questions:

• What kind of help/information do I need?

• Can I get it online somewhere?

• Who do I know that knows how to do this and can point me in the right direction to learn more about it?

3. You Are Worried About Something

Sometimes procrastination is a sign that you are worried about something. I know that may sound counter-intuitive, but animals are wired to avoid things that are dangerous like poisonous berries and very large bears. That same avoidance response shows up with things that are not as life-threatening but never the less are worrisome.

• People who are worried about being sick might put off going to the doctor.

• People worried about their money might not do their budget because they don't want to know how bad it really is.

• People who are afraid of how someone might react to news may put off sharing the news.

It can feel easier to not know the truth than to simply suspect a problem. Unfortunately, in all of these cases, the best way to get through the problem is to do the exact thing that they're avoiding. So what can you do?

Take the time to feel through the fear. Maybe do it with a friend, partner, or therapist. Maybe write it out in a journal. The fear is there for a reason. Acknowledging it and processing it doesn't mean you've let it win. It means you are letting it be heard so that you can address it properly. Sometimes fear is a good thing (like being afraid of touching a hot stove.) Sometimes it shows us we need to change directions. Sometimes it just needs to be processed so it can be released.

4. You're Doing Too Much

Sometimes we procrastinate because we are simply exhausted. When we have been pushing hard without resting, things will eventually slow down. We may start thinking more slowly, or finding things to distract ourselves because we can't focus. When we procrastinate due to fatigue, it is imperative to take the time to rest. And THEN... we need to find a different rhythm.

Everyone's rhythm is different, but everyone needs a balance between "stop" and "go."

There is more power and more consistency in a rhythm that provides for rest than one that doesn't. In the long run, little bits of rest will allow you to keep moving at a better pace for longer.

If you don't already have a system for your day that includes a change of scenery every hour or so, try one of these (or try each one and pick your favorite):

The Pomodoro Method - Set a timer and work for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break. Do this for three cycles, and then take a 15-20 minute break.

Set a timer for 45 to 50 minutes and then take a 10 to 15 minute break. On your break get up and move away from your desk. It can be as simple as getting something to eat or drink, standing up and staring out a window, taking a short walk, or maybe just stretching.

It can be surprising how small breaks throughout the day will keep your energy and focus up where you need it.

Procrastination is Simply a Sign Post

The only way to accomplish anything is to do the work. When we procrastinate, we are putting off that work not because there's something wrong with us but because some part of us is trying to tell us something. As important as it is to get going again, it is equally important to take a little time to figure out what the procrastination is saying so that we can move forward with strength and confidence.