How to Overcome Procrastination

June 20, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

You don’t need to do it ALL.

When you’re overwhelmed, pick one thing and do it RIGHT NOW.

At times, we can get overloaded by how much we have to do. The natural reaction to that emotional state is to shut down and do nothing, which of course, makes the problem worse.

When you feel that way, ask yourself, “What’s ONE thing I can do RIGHT NOW to help me move forward?”

Do that. Don’t overplan. Just keep it simple and make it so small that you’ll actually do it right now. It will help you make some headway – and the feeling of empowerment that comes from moving forward will probably inspire you to do more.

To read a full length article on the “Think 1st” system to overcome procrastination, go to http://www.scottqmarcus.com/articles/Articles/GettingUnstuck.html

Special bonus: if you’d like to hear a fun ten-minute audio of a presentation I did on this very topic, you can go to MarcusStrivingImprefection10Minutes

Note: Every Monday, a new motivational memo is posted. Subscribers to ThisTimeIMeanIt.com’s coaching service get this – and many more benefits – sent to them directly. If you’d like to know more, follow this link.

The fantasy of perfectionism

May 18, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

I am a perfect-o-holic.

Sure, I know it’s folly; yet I can picture that magical happy place where all goes according to plan and everything works out as I imagined. I have a plan.

Today, I become the pinnacle of modern workplace efficiency. Without exception, every single solitary item on my to-do list will be accomplished — even those lingering on the pad since ‘07. Phone calls will be returned in a timely, upbeat, eager manner, complete with all the necessary and required information at hand. Today, every goal will be exceeded; every deadline shall be beat. Should I spot a customer, client, co-worker, or vendor, I shall stretch out a warm enthusiastic hand in friendship, greeting her with passion, warmth, and energy; developing the ultimate positive reputation. Today, all reports will be finished on time and with precision. Today, the five-year backlog of filing shall be ended. Facebook farm games, really cute cat videos on YouTube, and forwarded emails with titles like “LOL! OMG! You’ve got to see this!” shall not deter me from my mission. I am a rock. (I shall be so effectual that I will have even had enough spare time to properly arrange my computer’s desktop icons in perfect order. After all, I owe it to myself to have some fun.)

Moreover, I will not ignore my most important relationship. Mark this date; for it is when I became the perfect spouse. Should my loving wife require assistance, no matter what else I am doing, I shall immediately — sans attitude, of course — cease all other pursuits, and lavish upon her all the attention she so richly deserves. As illustration of how central is our shared life, I will make time to clean the bathroom, prepare dinner, wash the dishes, pay the bills, and even massage her aching feet, expecting nothing in return. Today, I am the perfect husband. [Read more…]

Monday Motivational Memo: Overcoming Temptation

May 16, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

One of the reasons we fail to achieve what we want is we feel we have to give up so darn much to get it that it’s not worth it. For example, we say, “I’ll NEVER be able to go out to eat again,” or “I’m going to have to exercise EVERY DAY.”

The thought of doing something without end is daunting and overwhelming. When we’re overwhelmed is when our “bad” habits kick in at their strongest. (Remember a habit is designed to comfort us.) Therefore, we think, “What the heck, it’s just this once. I’ll be better tomorrow.” Before we know it, we’re back in our old routine.

What’s the solution?

Instead of thinking how you feel right now, ask yourself, “What behavior will help me feel good five minutes from now?” Or if you can, “What will make me feel good tomorrow morning?”

Slow yourself down for a few moments. THEN make a decision. Most of the time, you’ll choose the healthier option. And the key to success is to do it most of the time.

Overcome Setbacks

May 9, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Sometimes, things just don’t work out.

After setting ourselves back on the path toward our goal, many times, our inner perfectionist comes out and says, “I blew it! Well, as long as I blew it, I might as well really blow it. I can start again tomorrow (next week, next month, next year).”

That’s where the danger comes in. We have now given ourselves permission to do more damage.

Even if you “blow it” (by whatever definition you use for that term), the solution is in how fast you recover. We all make mistakes. Successful people actually make more of them. The difference is they recognize them as setbacks, get up, and move forward quickly.

When you slip up, simply remind yourself that the next thing you do can make it worse or start to fix it. Then, make the choice that will be helpful.

Keep Moving

April 25, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Small steps taken regularly generate more results than large steps done periodically.

In other words, it’s better to promise to walk a block and actually do it than to promise to run a mile and sleep in.

Most of the time that we fail to accomplish our goals, it’s because we made the process too cumbersome, unrealistic, or large. Since it would involve rearranging vast portions of an-already busy life, we choose to avoid the task, remaining in place.

Pick something smaller when you’re stuck and move forward on that. Any movement is better than stagnation.

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