You cannot take the mess and untidyness any more, but are completely stuck as to know how to start and where to begin.
Mentally – Are your thoughts confused? Do you have difficulty deciding how to begin to make some order?
Physically – Does just looking at all the clutter drain your energy and leave you too tired to start?
Emotionally – Do you feel anxious? Is there an underlying worry that is stopping you from starting? Are you feeling that perhaps you ought to be doing something more important?
First Steps to Overcoming Procrastination
Take a piece of paper and a pen
Look at the clutter and make a list of different categories that make up the mess in the room. Remember to include a “needs thinking about” pile, a recycle and also a throw away section!
Is there a place in the room to sort things into categories? Great if there is and if not, then find another room where you can make piles.
Having made the list, give yourself a pat on the back – you have taken the first step to tidying the room. Yes, it may look the same, but now you have a plan of action.
Next, set a timer for five minutes.
Now, what is the most interesting thing that you see in the room? Pick it up and start a pile for things of that nature.
Keep picking up things and putting them in piles. When the timer tells you that five minutes have gone by, see how you feel. Do you need to drink some water or something else or are you ready to reset the timer and keep going for another 5 minutes?
By setting yourself small targets of time, it is easier to review what you have accomplished and become motivated to continue.
When you have had enough, give yourself a pat on the back and set another time as to when you will continue the decluttering. Make it sooner rather than later! You have set off on the right path to overcoming procrastination, so keep it up!
Mentally – How are your thoughts when you look at less clutter in the room – are they clearer, brighter or something else positive?
Physically – How is your energy? Do you perhaps have more energy than when you started?
Emotionally – How are you feeling? Is there a good feeling that at last you have started the project and now know that it can be accomplished. Maybe there are other feelings – remember to appreciate what you have done and acknowledge the positive results.
