The Just Do It Later Syndrome

Just do it later has become a catch-all phrase for those who do not appreciate the value of getting stuff done in a timely manner. It is easier to put things off rather than just get them done now.

Our mindset and resultant habits are responsible for this type of attitude, but there is much more involved behind the scenes of our conscious minds,

Let’s explore a bit and see what we can discover about this habit pattern that keeps us from accomplishing more and expressing much more of our potential.

“Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.”

–– Christopher Parker —

 

Just Do It Later as a Habit Pattern

Putting things off is merely a habit that can be changed with a little time and effort. Initially, it is vital to have clarity on our priorities so that we are focused on what is most meaningful and essential to us.

This helps tremendously in eliminating procrastination as we are much more likely to step out of our comfort zones when it is a vital issue that really needs to get done.

Once we gain some momentum by consistently getting stuff done that is important, this new habit pattern carries over into all areas of our lives, and we are motivated to do even the more mundane tasks such as cleaning or keeping things organized.

Putting things off or avoiding them entirely is no longer an option.

Instead, it becomes something we must do because of Who We Have Become.

Establishing New Habits

Here are a few ideas to get us started in creating new routines and establishing new habits.

Again it’s essential to start with important issues that we have a strong desire to complete. With this type of clarity, it’s a lot easier to get things done.

Let’s review the steps.

1. Ask ourselves if this is something we really want to get done — Only select if it is
2. See the end result of it being accomplished and how that feels
   
3. Recognize that we are quite capable of doing this
4. Only select a completion date if it is something that has a specific time frame based on fulfilling a project for someone else or there is a definite time limit involved — otherwise, leave it open so no additional stress is added
5. Create a plan to get it done
6. Take the first step, then the Next Step, toward its completion. Dependent on the size and complexity of the task, the plan may change along the way as additional information is gathered.
7. Repeat the process for additional projects and tasks

The key here is establishing some new habit routines based on accomplishing tasks that we feel good about getting done. This will produce momentum and a snowball effect so future tasks are completed with little or no resistance.

There are Times to Just Do It Later

Once our resistance lessens to completing important as well as everyday tasks whether at home or at work, we will have increased clarity on how to best get the most productivity in areas of our lives.

When we do put things off it will not be because of any lazy habits, but because we need the rest or we have projects with higher priority.

A balanced life requires us to intuitively know when to take breaks and give our minds and bodies some needed rest and relaxation. Pushing ourselves too hard will reduce our productivity as well as lessen the joy of getting stuff done.

Putting things on the back burner also makes sense when it is not a high-priority task, and there are other more important activities to complete.

This is where the resistance may be higher to complete a high-priority assignment so it is much easier to put it off and get involved in an activity that is less threatening.

This is a great opportunity to move through this resistance and increase our inner strength and confidence. If the resistance is high it is then necessary to break the task down into much smaller steps until we find one we are willing to do so we can break the inertia and create some momentum in the desired direction.

If completing the task is important enough to us we will get it done.

What About When the Fear We Feel is Paralyzing?

This is when it is really easy to kill the whole thing off in our heads and not even consider taking even a baby step toward getting it done.

But this is also an opportunity to address that fear and eliminate it once and for all, or at least allow ourselves to feel it without freaking out so we can still get stuff done.

When we do not deny the fear is there and are willing to address it rather than running for the hills, we position ourselves to realize that we are stronger than any made-up idea that seems so terrifying.

Even if, we were in a life-threatening situation we could still access our inner power to deal with the situation. When we are faced with challenges we quite often surprise ourselves with how well we are able to handle the situation.

We discover strength and power we never knew we possessed.

The key takeaway here is that it is not the actual circumstance that is so frightening, but the anticipation of what may happen. All of these “what ifs” get in the way when most of the stuff we worry so much about may not even happen.

After an emotional experience, how often have we found ourselves saying, “that was not as bad as I thought it would be”?

Fear can be paralyzing when we get caught up not with the actual event itself, but with all the apprehension and “maybes” before the event actually occurs.

We often handle the circumstance much better than we thought that we were going to, and when we don’t it is a result of creating a panic state within our minds prior to the event.

The solution is simple, but not that easy because of former conditioning and the lack of a supportive environment.

We have learned to worry and not expect the best, and we are quite often surrounded by others who have similar conditioning.

In order to break out of this pattern we must train ourselves to think and act a certain way regardless of any appearances to the contrary.

This takes quite a bit of mental effort to shift things around but it is all so worth the effort.

When Just Do It Later does not Make Sense any Longer

When we make a concerted effort to change things around by altering what we think, say, and do, we get to a turning point of never going back to the old ways.

And why should we? We have discovered our true power and are learning how to direct that energy in ways that benefit ourselves, rather than detract from our true potential.

It is at this very point that “just do it later” is not even an option anymore.

 

Moving Beyond the Fear of Failure

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.”

— Dale Carnegie —

The only thing that would hold us is an unwillingness to take that first step and break the inertia because of our fear of failing. We just don’t think it will make any difference or that we are not capable of making these changes.

Whatever the reason or excuse we use it is enough to keep us stuck because of the power of our minds.

Since failure is merely not having the determination or courage to even try, we have the power to choose to move forward one tiny step at a time.

Failure is essential to our success as it is responsible for our growth and success in all areas of our lives.

It is our friend and teaches us lessons on how to create the life we earnestly desire. Let’s embrace failure and move forward with our lives.

There’s an ancient saying about every arrow that hits the bullseye requires one hundred (100) misses. There is much wisdom in that saying.

It’s time to reach for the highest levels within ourselves and allow the Universe to lead the way through our awakened and previously dormant talents and abilities.

Our “Genius Selves” are then free to take the wheel and drive us on to our predetermined destiny.

Enjoy the journey,

Joseph William

P.S. After transforming from a “just do it later” to a “must do it now” mindset, let’s use our unleashed creative abilities and create an online business that expresses our unique talents and benefits all with whom we are honored to meet. Click Here for the Info.

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