The emails are coming in, the bills are stacking up, and you’re having trouble finding the motivation to get moving. For some people, the “just do it” approach works, but for many people, it simply isn’t sustainable. If you are repeatedly procrastinating specific tasks, there’s probably a reason why. Here are a few factors that may be behind that bad habit and how you can solve it.
You Don’t Know Where To Start
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. Endless to-do lists can make it seem like there’s no good place to really get started and paying attention to too many things at once leads to engagement in low-value activities like clearing your inbox or scanning social media.
As you operate your own chiropractic practice, you are more prone to these feelings as there isn’t always a clear path forward – especially in the face of a pandemic. You’re juggling a lot of different tasks, and its okay to feel uncertainty. Remember that thinking you have all the answers means you probably don’t and give yourself permission to reach out for help. Brainstorming with mentors and friends can help you establish priorities, and our coaches are just a phone call away.
You’re Afraid of Failure
Maybe you’ve heard the mantra “fail fast, fail often”. People in leadership positions often speak of failure, but are still afraid of making bad decisions. Perhaps you’ve been so afraid of failure that you’ve cut corners or delayed dates. Perfectionism is something many leaders struggle to overcome. But, high standards aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Success takes strong principles and perseverance. Boston University psychologist Ellen Hendriksen wrote that “Perfectionism and procrastination are linked, but it’s not necessarily the sky-high standards that slow you down, but the sky-high standards mixed with a belief that your performance is tied to your self-worth. That combination can grind you to a halt.”
Recognize that although your chiropractic practice is a huge part of your life, you are not your work and you can begin to untangle the difference between who you are and what you achieve to stop fear-based procrastination.
Self-Knowledge
Everyone has different goals, motivations, and personalities and so there are many different reasons for procrastinating. Once you know what’s blocking you, you’ll be better able to determine a path forward.
To learn more about how you can improve yourself and your practice, click here for a complimentary practice analysis.