How do you speak to yourself: procrastination and self-sabotage.

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What do you choose to put on your plate? You take the things you like, the things you find tasty, and the things you will enjoy. There is always just enough space for an extra treat.

Would you remove a favorite pie, that makes your taste buds excited, for something you disliked, or won't enjoy?

If you had a special dietary requirement, would you fill your plate with the things you shouldn’t? Why would you?

But that is how we treat our thoughts. Why do we give space to you: you can’t, you couldn't, you shouldn't, what will happen?

This isn't about food and drink. This is about a sentence that you can use, at any time, to help you get through a challenging moment when you need to make a decision, but you have begun to doubt yourself, argue with yourself and procrastinate.

Step one: Ask yourself: 

’How does this thought serve me?’

Imagine being at the buffet- if you don't like it, you don't give it space on your plate. If this thought is not helping you commit to your wants or service your needs- why are you entertaining it? Why allow rotten thoughts to thwart you and sap your confidence? 

Step two: Write that thought down. 

Acknowledge it ‘I've heard you but right now you are not serving me or helping.’

And then commit to:

‘When I am ready, I will come back to you ‘

Step three: When you are ready, think about: 

How did it make me feel?

If I had followed it where or what could have been the outcome?

And then how might I have felt?

Do I recognize this thought – where else and when has it tried to thwart me?

What do I want to do about it?

Being able to identify what ‘stops’ you will allow you to anticipate it in the future. You can ready yourself with positive thoughts and a clear vision that reinforces your goal, your happiness, and your future. You can fill your plate with delicious, tasty things that will make you happy leaving no space for unhelpful doubts.

Next time you feel procrastination set in or the saboteurs come knocking try this for yourself.

Contact me for an exploratory call if you want further help with this exercise.