Procrastination.
We’re all guilty of it from time to time.
Even our co-founder, Debbie Roberts had her battles with it.
As she describes, “in the early days of growing my bookkeeping business I found I procrastinated when I had to have, what I thought, was going to be a difficult conversation with a client. It might have been about putting up my prices or replacing myself with another bookkeeper. I was worried they might get angry or sack me. What I found though was the way I imagined the conversation was nothing like what happened in reality. And each time I had a “win” it gave me more confidence and more courage. Very empowering.”
It’s amazing how most fear is mostly just an illusion, but for many bookkeepers, it can be paralyzing and prevent them from achieving incredible success.
Procrastination just enables the fear to keep building, but if you’re looking to identify your symptoms then break free, here’s what co-founder, Peter Cook wrote.
“I reckon there are three primary reasons why we procrastinate and three things to look at if you want to stop. But, even before we get there - stop beating yourself up about it.
Procrastination is natural. We evolved to take our rest when we can get it. It was once said, ‘Laziness is a feature, not a bug.’ So ease up on yourself.
Now, the three reasons we procrastinate are:
1. Wrong Task to Energy Allocation
This happens when we try to perform a task that requires a high amount of energy when our energy is low. If sales calls are hard for you, they will need a high energy level. If you go to make sales calls after lunch when your energy is at 5/10, you’ll probably find yourself going down a Facebook tunnel.
2. Wrong Context
This means the reason you are doing the task isn’t congruent with what you really want. Right now, I want to spend more time in Melbourne with my girls and less time on the road, so it’s no wonder I find myself procrastinating about work that takes me interstate.
3. Wrong Environment
Your environment has a much bigger impact on your productivity than you think. This is tricky because we don’t really think it applies to us. I don’t really believe clutter is going to impact my ability to do a task...except it does. I’m writing this blog in a cafe. I know this environment works better for my writing than my office. And I know I should spend more time getting the environment in my office right.
Next time you find yourself procrastinating, turn down the internal chatter that’s telling you how much you suck and ask yourself which of these three reasons is behind it.”
Thanks Debbie and Pete for your insight.
Remember, procrastination doesn’t have to take you out of the game.
It’s up to you to recognize the symptoms and push forward to achieve your desired results.
If Debbie can do it, why not you?
To your success,
Michael