Procrastination and the Art of Inner Feng Shui
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A cluttered work or home environment, filled with stuff we no longer need or use, robs us of vital energy we could be using for creative, full-tilt living.
Whether we are aware of it or not, those piles waiting for sorting, recycling, repair or yard sale call LOUDLY to our subconscious mind demanding attention every time we pass by, like a legion of little hobgoblins. It’s downright distracting!
The internal environment of our minds can also be cluttered with mental to-do lists: things we have been putting off, avoiding or just not getting to in the midst of a busy life. Navigating through a jumble of undone tasks competing for our attention can be like walking around in a crowded attic at night without a flashlight. There’s a lot to bump into and trip over, making for slow progress or bringing us to a standstill. To say nothing about bruised self-confidence and self-esteem when we never accomplish our intentions.
We procrastinate for many different reasons. It may surprise you that there are some very valid reasons for procrastination.
Your subconscious mind may be sending you subtle or not so subtle cease and desist messages which you need to heed. Or it may be dishing up opportunities for growth and expansion. It’s important to know the difference.
Here are six common reasons we may avoid a task at hand:
1. It’s not in our best interests to do it and we know this on some level.
2. It may not be the best time to do it, or we are not ready.
3. There’s too much to do. We are overwhelmed or don’t know what to do first.
4. It’s too hard or we don’t know how to do it.
5. It’s boring. We’d rather do something else.
6. It brings up strong emotions—grief, rage, fear or panic.
Feng Shui, or the ancient Chinese art of placement, brings beauty, balance and a free flow of energy to any living environment. If you are ready for some inner Feng Shui, make a list of everything you have been avoiding, both big and small! With each item on your list ask, “Why have I been procrastinating?” This may take some inward reflection. You can begin with the reasons listed above. If any apply to you, here’s how you can turn the situation around:
1. Only do what you really want to do. Ask yourself, “Does this support my ultimate well-being on all levels?” If not, cross it off the list even if it means disappointing others or making waves. Though it may be hard to believe at times, your well-being is your priority.
2. Only do what you really want to do when you are ready to do it. Be patient. Very often new or creative endeavors need to simmer on the back burner while you gather more information and skill, or while your subconscious mind works out hidden details. Trust that your brilliance is there and will surface at the right time. In the meantime, envision the project as a fait accompli. If you play with the pieces you do have in discussions with others, on a mind map or in a journal, you will jump-start your creative process.
3. Prioritize your to-do list. If there’s too much to do, sit down with a friend to discuss priorities. Then find the assistance you need. Delegate, hire or trade to lighten your load. Get creative. Have a party! Invite your friends to help. (Remember how Tom Sawyer managed to get the fence whitewashed?)
4. Find experts. If you don’t know how to do something, then start by asking questions. If you still need help, delegate, hire or trade with friends to get the assistance you need. If you are a small business owner there are many tasks which can be handed over to others so you can focus on revenue generating activities.
5. Do the boring things (or hard things) first. Remind yourself that you have chosen to do this task and review your reasons for doing so. It may be for a sense of accomplishment, for the freedom it gives you or perhaps for peace of mind. Choose a time of day when you are at your best. Work for only a designated time then follow it with a little celebration: some music, a walk, a ‘cuppa’ or a call to a friend.
6. Welcome your emotions. If a strong emotion arises when thinking about a particular endeavor, think of it as a colorful banner, alerting you to prime opportunities to learn about yourself and experience new levels of success and satisfaction. Perhaps you have the opportunity to speak up, stand your ground, develop flexibility or open your heart. Or maybe this challenge is giving you the chance to learn a new skill that will serve you well. Ask, “What can I learn by doing this?” This way, the doing becomes an adventure!
Encourage yourself with positive language as you work your way through your to-do list. If you can’t do the hard things first, then practice with the easy things on your list. Each time you choose to do something and follow through, you have flexed and strengthened your success muscles.
Each new accomplishment lays the foundation for the next one, so enjoy your accomplishment!
Celebrating the Can-do Queen (or King) in you!
Eliza
Creatives’ Coach Eliza Bergeson is the author of The Yes! in Success: How To Be The Star You Are And Live The Life You Love.
She works her magic with creative individuals—entrepreneurs, speakers, writers, visual and performing artists; people who are ready to transform bright vision into gratifying outcomes in their businesses and their lives. If that sounds like you, visit her site, www.elizabergeson.com, for more FREE success-building resources.
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