Overcoming Procrastination: Are You a Victim of 'Untilitis'?

Jan 2
16:45

2024

Martin Avis

Martin Avis

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Procrastination is a common issue that many people struggle with. It's that nagging voice in your head that keeps saying, "Don't start until..." or "I can't do this unless..." This phenomenon, often referred to as 'Untilitis' or 'Unlessitis', can prevent us from taking action and achieving our goals. This article will explore the nature of this issue and provide practical tips on how to overcome it.

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Understanding the Procrastination Demon

We all have a little voice inside our heads,Overcoming Procrastination: Are You a Victim of 'Untilitis'? Articles a subconscious demon, that often holds us back from taking risks or stepping out of our comfort zones. This voice is a survival instinct that has evolved with us over time. While it can be useful in preventing us from engaging in dangerous activities, it can also hinder us from taking necessary actions.

When setting up a new project or business, like the BizE-zine website, for example, this voice can present various objections such as, "I'd better not start until I learn HTML" or "I can't design a website unless I've researched the field thoroughly." These objections, however, are often just excuses that prevent us from taking the first step.

Taming the Procrastination Demon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Overcoming procrastination involves behavioral training. Here are some steps that can help:

Step 1: Awareness

The first step is to become aware of the procrastination demon. Observe the times when you put something off, no matter how small. Over time, you will recognize the signs. At this stage, don't try to change your behavior, just become aware of it.

Step 2: Use the Demon Positively

Start to consciously use the demon for positive purposes. When you're about to start something, and the voice tells you to do something else, pause and say, "I will stop, but only when I have finished, and then I will reward myself." Promise yourself a small reward - a cup of coffee, a candy bar, a phone call with a friend - anything that will make you feel good. But only reward yourself after completing the task.

Step 3: Reduce the Demon's Worries

The next stage is to make the demon worry less. Procrastination often stems from fear of failure. When you notice that you're putting off something, stop and write down a full description of the action you want to take. Then, list all the potential negative outcomes. Finally, let your logical mind respond to each of these fears.

For example, when launching BizE-zine, some of the fears included having to build a website, not having any subscribers, looking foolish, and spending too much time or money. By logically responding to each fear, it becomes clear that most of these obstacles are not as daunting as they initially seem.

Conclusion

The voice inside our heads is not an evil monster trying to stop us from acting. Rather, it's a benign old watchdog who is scared of its own shadow. By understanding and addressing our fears, we can teach this old dog new tricks and overcome procrastination.