The Hidden Struggle Behind Getting Things Done

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There is so much to do and I’m not doing any of it.’

‘I’m working every minute I can and yet I feel like I’ve done nothing.’

An old favourite- ‘I’m a procrastinator.  I do my best work under pressure.’

Procrastination doesn’t always look like doing nothing. Sometimes we avoid or overcompensate when:

·       There’s an overwhelming amount to do

·       We don’t feel confident in the task

·       We simply don’t want to do it

·       We don’t know where to start

·       We don’t know the why or what is expected

I’m writing this right now while experiencing this exact thing. I want to write about this top because I know it’s common and I have experienced it all my life.    So what?  Part of my mission is to offer support and opportunities to help and challenge you to think differently.

Yes, I’m a therapeutic coach… and I don’t have it all figured out.

Life Ebbs and Flows

Sometimes we’re in a great rhythm and feel like we’ve cracked the code to life. Other times, it feels like we’re drowning — in the “shoulds,” responsibilities, and even the things we’re passionate about.

We are human. Environmental, social, physical, hormonal, and emotional shifts all impact us and thus consistency requires constant awareness and adjustments. You are not meant to find a magic formula and be sorted forever.  Sorry.

I am currently sitting at my laptop knowing I have a million and one things to do:

• Admin

• Reaching out to clients

• Creating resources

• Professional development

• Marketing and social media

The list goes on.

Ideas aren’t my problem. Passion isn’t my problem.  The WHY isn’t my problem. 

Execution IS my problem. 

But why?  This isn’t just a now problem, it’s been a companion with me all my life.

My old stuff creeps in — suddenly I lose confidence, time feels fleeting, and…

“Oh wait, I have to look up how to insulate my bifold doors because winter was rough last year…”

The urge to run from discomfort is real however when harnessed this is the moment for change and growth.   

For us to grow and progress, we need to experience regression and discomfort first.  Unfortunately, our brain is wired to avoid this as much as possible.  So I notice the discomfort, the attempts my brain makes to distract me.

So How Do I Stick with It?

I ask myself where I am able to consistently get things done.  This is easy- I consistently get things done when I’m accountable to others.

So, how do I use this and other learnings to help me?

• Intention is everything- Understand why the task matters and how completing it will impact

you and others.

• Put away distractions- Choose an environment that supports, not sabotages, your attention.

• Encourage yourself with the right conditions- Music, snacks, water, comfortable space —

whatever helps.

• Set boundaries- Protect your time. A “yes” to someone else can be a “no” to your own goals.

• Just do it-  Take a breath and begin — like Mel Robbins’ 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 method.You can

refine and adjust the work later. It doesn’t have to and can’t be perfect the first time.  (I’ll be

rereading this for grammar!)

As you can see — I’m human, flawed, imperfect… and proud of it.And I have completed this blog because I held myself to these intentions.

Where Are You Feeling Stuck?

What are you noticing you are struggling to get done?Remember that avoidance or overcompensation — the outcome is the same:The task doesn’t get completed.  This applies to work you want to do and work you have to do.

Even my kids dislike emptying the dishwasher (who doesn’t).  But when they do it together with music they love?  Suddenly, it’s manageable — and dare I say - fun.

Small shifts → big difference.

Now it’s time to turn it over to you.

Take a breath… and reflect:

·       What task would create relief or momentum if you simply began?

·       What thoughts or fears show up right at the starting line?  Challenge the language you use

with yourself.

·       How can you create the conditions that help you follow through?  Notice previous

successful times and how you can recreate those conditions.

You are not lazy. You are NOT a procrastinator.  This isn’t because you don’t care.  This isn’t because you aren’t capable. 

You are overwhelmed. 

You can move forward, one small step at a time.

For more support on how to create lasting change and understand the underlying driver for why this keep happening, click on the link below to book a free call.

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