Do you find yourself wanting to do something but procrastinating on starting?


I know that I’ve done that myself many times. And the thing is, once I start, I don’t understand what took me so long to get started! Thankfully, I know I procrastinate much less than what I used to do. I’ve examined my own thinking when I have procrastinated, and for me, I find there has often been a fear of failure. Wanting to do something perfectly and being afraid it won’t turn out perfect can hold a person back from starting a project or task that is necessary to be completed if a goal is to be achieved.

Somewhere, I once read, “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying.” Indeed, part of the learning process is making mistakes, then recognizing the mistake, making adjustments and moving on towards your goal.

We all make mistakes in every part of our lives, if we’re trying to accomplish something. Ever watch a baby trying to learn how to walk?  The baby will keep trying and trying, even after faltering over and over - until he or she gets it right and takes their first steps. Babies don’t seem to have the same worries of failure that adults have - indeed, I believe the fear of failure is a learned emotion - and therefore can be “unlearned.” We can learn that it is not necessary to fear failure and that it is fear of failing that often is the root of our procrastination and not getting done what we must get done.

Having a fear of making mistakes can hold us back in many parts of our lives.  Fear is a negative motivator! Dealing with fear  should be one of the most important things we do if we’re serious about achieving goals.

Doing something towards achieving a goal might be baby steps at first - you might falter and fall down some times - but doing nothing will get you - nothing.

I’m interested in reading your thoughts on procrastination and what you do to get yourself going again - please feel free to leave them in the comments.  And don’t be afraid of making mistakes!

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