by Tony Papajohn
If you’ve put off doing something about procrastination, here’s a quick and easy way to get started right now.

Take a step back.

Sometimes a step back makes a step forward possible because it offers a new perspective.

If we take a step back, then we gain a new point of view and put some much-needed breathing room between us and an undesirable habit like procrastination.

This is important because procrastination evokes all kinds of negative, self-defeating feelings.

One that feels shame, anxiety, or self-directed anger about procrastination will surely procrastinate doing something about it!

Instead, I like to help people take a step back and see what happens.

So here’s a very simple technique I designed to gain a new point of view and drain off negative emotions about procrastination.

Suppose you see someone in the bathroom mirror every morning that happens to procrastinate.

Calling the image of that person to mind, what happens when you say to that image “_______ procrastinates” and you insert your first name into the blank?

Notice the difference between the statements, “I procrastinate” and “_______ procrastinates.”

The statement “_______ procrastinates” puts some mental and emotional space between the speaker (you) and the procrastinator (the image you see in the bathroom mirror with your first name).

This simple change in perspective drains off much of the sting inherent in “I procrastinate.”

From this point of view, let’s ask the image in the mirror:

When has ________ wanted to do something so intensely that that he/she did it without a moment’s thought?”

What does doing something timely, confidently, decisively, and energetically do for __________ mentally and emotionally?

What happens when __________ discovers that part of him/herself that radiates confidence, hears the call of success, and springs into action with energy and determination?

I’ve discovered that this change in perspective allows one to deal with procrastination without the stress of identifying with it.

Therefore, I’ve even suggested that one ask these questions as if asking them of someone else. Your mind is clearer, more relaxed, and more empowered to find creative solutions and put them into action.

Essentially, you’ve taken a step back from the “you” that procrastinates.

This change in perspective makes it possible to recall times when you took action, re-experience how good it made you feel, and imagine a part of you that can do it again.

And this is a step forward that empowers that person in the mirror to overcome procrastination.

It’s a step forward for you too and I’ll be there with you.

Hey! Nice bathrobe!

Tony Papajohn coaches excellence and specializes in money. If you are a real estate investor, financial trader, entrepreneur, or want money to treat you like its new best friend, check out Tony’s free e-courses at www.WelcomeMoreMoney.com .

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