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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Understanding Procrastination By Jim
Rohn (an excerpt from the Life Success Time<BR>Management
module)<BR>Procrastination. Paul of Tarsus said in his writing that, "the things
I want to do,<BR>I do not do." This is a problem that is as old as humanity
itself. I am sure that<BR>the wheel would have been invented and fire discovered
much earlier if it weren't<BR>for procrastination!<BR>Humans have two incredible
abilities: First, they are able to become crystal clear<BR>about what it is they
want. Secondly, they are able to completely put off pursuing<BR>it!<BR>So what
drives procrastination? I believe there are a few primary things that
cause<BR>people to procrastinate.<BR>Fear. In my opinion, this is the biggest
source of procrastination. People procrastinate<BR>because they are afraid. They
are afraid of failure; they are afraid of success.<BR>They are afraid they will
do a poor job or of what others will think of them. I want<BR>to encourage you
to think about whether or not this is an issue for you. If so, do<BR>whatever it
takes to deal with your fears.<BR>Hard work. Some people procrastinate because
they know that doing the work will be<BR>hard. Many people have an aversion to
hard work so they procrastinate, putting it<BR>off indefinitely. Realize for
yourself that being successful usually requires a lot<BR>of hard work. Sometimes
it is physically exhausting, sometimes mentally or emotionally<BR>exhausting.
But let me assure you of this, if you invest in the miracle of hard
labor<BR>required to accomplish your goals, the rewards, the gifts, the feelings
of increased<BR>self-esteem you will reap will far outweigh the pain of labor.
For at the end of<BR>your efforts you will be able to smile with the deep
satisfaction of knowing you<BR>have faithfully sowed and that now you can
joyfully reap - and reap without complaint<BR>or apology! What a powerful
opportunity to invest in the labor that creates miracles.<BR>Lack of passion. In
other words, whatever it is that they are doing isn't really<BR>something they
are passionate about. Some people procrastinate because deep down<BR>they aren't
really passionate about what it is they "should be" doing. It isn't really<BR>a
priority for them or for their life, even if they have called it one. This is
an<BR>issue of going back to the drawing board and becoming clear about your
priorities<BR>and values, then having the courage to live them out.<BR>An
inability to motivate themselves. Some people procrastinate because they do
not<BR>know how to get themselves going internally. They wait until something
externally<BR>moves them. You've heard me give the example of the guy who says,
"I wish someone<BR>would come by and turn me on and get me motivated." Well,
what if they don't show<BR>up? You've got to have a better plan than that,
you've got to be self-motivated because<BR>that is ultimately the best
motivation. Now, everyone is motivated differently, and<BR>it is your job to
figure out what it is that really motivates you. And then do what<BR>it takes to
get there and stay there.<BR>Time wasters and procrastination are the roadblocks
that will keep you from reaching<BR>your goals. This week work to become aware
of what things you waste your time on<BR>and what drives your procrastination.
As you come to realize these things, as you<BR>become fully aware, you will be
better equipped to overcome them.<BR></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>