How to overcome procrastination? Once again we seek to recognize the symptom, explore the reason and banish the problem of procrastination. One of the many symptoms of procrastination is to continually feel the need to do more research. You may feel that you are never ready to start your project. Whenever you decide you want to start your project a little voice inside your head says you are not ready, you need more time, you need more research, you need to learn more, so on and so forth.
Enough Research Already!
How do you stop procrastination? How do you get out of that research mode is a question that needs to be answered because this “stuck-in-research” frame of mind causes stress in so many people. It is believed that people spend upwards of 80% of their time researching projects. We are talking about the type of research that has nothing to do with the actual project. It is busy work that makes you feel you are doing something useful, yet all the while you are really postponing doing the real task that is at hand.
The Real Reason
To be continually feeling the need to do more research, learn more or simply feeling you’re not ready to start your project is a symptom of procrastination. This apparently harmless behavior is often a manifestation of something much more insidious. It looks innocent enough. At times you may even delude yourself into thinking that you are being meticulous and going above and beyond to do a superior job. In reality all you are doing is stalling because you may have an inherent fear of failing at it so you don’t begin at all.
Procrastination is to defer or delay action or put it off for another time. It is obvious that when we undertake a project, research and preparation is necessary. The challenge is, how do you know you have done enough research and completed all the necessary preparations? At what point do you decide you are ready to start your project?
What To Do
Remember, it is considered procrastination when you continue doing low priority tasks that are no longer related to or necessary for the completion of the original task. So keeping that in mind you can decide on the “limit” of research or preparation for your project. Only you can decide what that “limit” is and only you can lay down realistic boundaries on your need to over-research your projects.
It is a good idea to understand what is causing you to keep researching and putting off starting your project? Why would you opt to miss a deadline rather than finish your project, all the while using the excuse of more research? It’s normal to put off doing things because you might want to do something else which is more fun. But when that behavior reaches a point where it causes you to be stressed and unhappy with yourself, then it is time to take a deeper look at what is going on. (To be continued in Part 2)
In Part 2 of “How to Overcome Procrastination – Enough Research Already!” I will share some tips on what specific actions you can take to overcome procrastination and stop being stuck in research mode. Check back soon and remember to share your comments and tips.
This is another article in a series that will appear here from my new book: “Take Action Now: How to Stop Procrastination!” If you would like to have a review copy when it’s ready, please enter your name and email below to get on the VIP list.
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