It can be easy to fall into a negative spiral of self-talk when trying to deal with procrastination. Things like “I’m never going to get this done” or “I’m such a lazy person” can make the situation feel even worse. However, it’s important to remember that these negative thoughts are just part of the problem – not the solution. Here are some tips for how to maintain positive self-talk while dealing with procrastination:
- Acknowledge your feeling: The first step is to simply acknowledge that you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the task at hand. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to recognize these negative emotions before they take over.
- Talk back to your negative thoughts: Once you’ve identified the negative self-talk, it’s time to start challenging these thoughts. For example, if you’re thinking “I can’t do this,” try saying something like “I can do this – I just need to take it one step at a time.”
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and accepting things as they are. This can be a helpful tool when trying to deal with procrastination because it allows you to focus on the task at hand without getting caught up in negativity.
- Set realistic goals: When tackling a big project, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. By setting realistic goals, you can avoid getting overwhelmed and increase your chances of success.
- Hire a coach: If you find that you can’t overcome procrastination on your own, it may be time to seek coaching. An expert in guiding people through transitions can provide you with tools and resources to help you overcome this obstacle and achieve your goals.