Four questions to overcome procrastination (and 3-2-1)

"Imagine that you could become healthier, wealthier and less stressed through a few daily steps." That's how the article begins. Quite the hook, eh?

I don't know if it's true or not, but this piece by David Robson, "The Four Keys That Could Unlock Procrastination" seems helpful at least. (https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201222-the-four-keys-that-could-unlock-procrastination?utm_source=pocket-newtab)

He describes what is known as 'Temporal Motivation Theory.' Studies of chronic procrastinators have provided some good evidence it can help you be more effective and productive, and therefore feel less anxiety... if you're one of those people who struggles with procrastination.

It boils down to asking yourself four simple questions:

• How would someone successful complete the goal?
• How would you feel if you don’t do the required task?
• What is the next immediate step you need to do?
• If you could do one thing to achieve the goal on time, what would it be?

It seems somewhat simplistic, and, actually, it is! They say, “It’s replicating some of the elements that you would get in a coaching or counselling or therapeutic sessions...but it’s like a ‘micro-dose’.”

The article itself is a fairly short read, and they close with this:

“If you notice that you are always putting stuff off, they could be a good way of checking your behavior. The important thing... is to regularly question what goals you actually value, and to check whether you’re prioritizing them enough. You should then work out ways to chunk your task into smaller parts, before taking action on the first possible step. This can create a kind of momentum... which will make procrastination less likely as you go along."

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Another, even simpler, technique to get my butt up and moving is the 3-2-1 method. I think I heard of it from James Clear. Basically, if, say, you are vegging on the couch, stuck in front of the TV, or playing a game, and you need to get up and start doing something... literally just say, "3-2-1" and get up and do it! It sounds silly, but I have done this tons of times... and it works! :)

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 Colossians 3:23-24

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."