The Key To Unlock The Grip Of Procrastination

“Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.” 
 ~William James

In Issue #134

The Key To Unlock The Grip Of Procrastination
by Monica Day

I finally got it – a glimpse of why I struggle with procrastination. It’s not pretty…but after beating back the monster for the better part of the last couple of years, I’ll take just about any clue I can find to get an edge in this war.

Here how it looks from here…

When I have projects on my plate, I feel full. I am busy. People want something from me – and they are waiting. I feel important. Needed.

But when I complete those projects and turn them in, I feel empty. I need to book new projects. I feel open, vulnerable, uncertain.

So I think I might be holding onto the projects to prolong feeling full, so I don’t have to face the empty feeling.

It’s worse than ever right now because I’m making a major transition. I’ve slowed my freelance projects down to a trickle so I can spend my time creating products for The Copy Protégé, launching a new online publication, and continuing to explore opportunities to perform and publish my own writing outside the world of copywriting.

By themselves, each of these new ventures is very exciting to me. Put them all together, and it’s downright explosive. But terrifying.

So the other day, I FINALLY completed a project that was way overdue. Instead of feeling relief when I turned it in, I started to panic. I only have one more project on my plate and then it’s official. I will be empty – launching myself, after years of planning and preparation, to a world of my own making. Where each and every element of my life will be a reflection of who I am.

On paper, I recognize that statement as being all I’ve ever wanted. And yet, now that the time is at hand, it sounds like the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done.

There’s no turning back. Now that I’ve come this far – and have made the Universe and everyone in it aware of my deepest desires and goals – my only choice is to move forward.

On top of it – I’m writing about this to you! You’re going to keep reading to see how it’s going. And maybe even drop me a line of encouragement. You might even chastise me in a few months if I seem stuck.

Wow. Accountability…personal responsibility…integrity. These are the traits I hold in highest esteem. But the talk is infinitely easier than the walk.

How about you? What are you putting off? And why?

Is it your copywriting career? An artistic endeavor? Going back to school, having a child, running a marathon, learning another language?

There comes a time when you just have to ditch all the bad habits and self-destructive tendencies that stand in the way of your success – and let go. It may be the hardest thing you’ll ever do – releasing those things that aren’t getting you closer to your ultimate goal. It might be your job…or a relationship…or even your eating habits or the time wasters you indulge, like watching television or playing video games.

Between the time you let go of the old and take on the new, I’m warning you, you’ll feel horrible. As I write this, I’m anxious, doubting myself and my abilities, questioning whether I’m making the right decisions, and hoping I don’t fail and have to face harsh consequences. I suspect it’s the same for everyone. The trick is to remember – even when your fears betray you – that you can withstand them long enough to make it to a new moment.

For example, I do know by now that carefully calculated risk usually comes with reward. That faithful planning is usually met with success. And having enough determination to tackle the next challenge, and the one after that, and the one after that, is the key ingredient to conquering just about anything.

Can I give up on my procrastination habit once and for all? I think I finally can. Because I’m willing to let go of everything standing in my way to take this next step.

How about you? There’s just a few days left in the year – the time for resolutions and proclamations is at hand. Are you ready to ditch everything standing your way – including your own bad habits – and make 2008 your year?

They say misery loves company – but that’s never been true for me. I’d much rather ditch misery as fast as possible…and share the glow of success with others instead. More specifically, I’d like to share it with you in the New Year.

Let’s do it.

Resource Referral: Don’t Let These Prices Pass You By

I know Krista alerted you of this opportunity – and I imagine you’ve seen it in other places – but it’s worth noting one last time. AWAI is running a holiday sale where you get 20% off plus free shipping on a slew of copywriting and marketing programs.

I don’t know about you – but I can’t stand paying shipping. I do it. We all do it. But it bugs me. So when I don’t have to pay it, I’m much more inclined to plunk down the cash.

So if you’ve been holding out on getting a program or two that you’re interested in, there’s no better time to scoop it up than right now.

Besides, I’m willing to bet you spent plenty on everyone else on your holiday list – but what about you? Every program on this list will ultimately earn you more than you’ll spend in it. And now with this sale, you’ll earn a return on your investment that much faster.

I know how busy things can get this time of the year; I just wanted to make sure you didn’t miss this special offer since I regularly use a few of the products that are on the holiday menu. Click here to see all the stuff that is on sale. Happy shopping!

Last Thought For The Year

“Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self-assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.” – Eric Zorn, columnist and blogger

Krista and I are taking next week off from our usual columns (although we will have a special offer to watch out for next Friday – so stay tuned!).

We hope you can do the same. Take the time to reflect and enjoy the people in your life. Make resolutions. And don’t be too hard on yourself as you try to achieve them in the weeks and months ahead.