Self-sabotage occurs when we interfere with our own intent. Procrastination is one way to create interference. The American Heritage Dictionary defines procrastination as to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness. That sounds a little strong, especially since they don’t mention energy blocks in the Solar Plexus! (tee hee) To take action, we need the stars to align. I meant to write: To take action, we need self-control. Delayed action often feels like the forces working against us are beyond our control.
It can take some deep personal work to discover the source of procrastination. Working through the layers of energy to make such realizations is something most can easily put off (ha ha). Motivation is one key to taking action, but what if we have the motivation but still experience procrastination? The answer to that question may be more specific to each individual. Spirit has all the answers if we can reach a level of stillness which allows us to receive the information. Let’s find that stillness together in the search to learn more about procrastination:
Fear is one of the most prevalent demotivating factors leading to procrastination. The fear of failure, or an outcome that is unintended or unwelcome, reacts to perception of the path ahead. Any vision of the future can hinder or create an aversion to taking action. One must always remember the importance of the journey as the primary function to reaching any goal.
Hindering factors can be present in the current conditions of your life, such as anxiety, low energy, emotional overwhelm, depression, or the lack of motivation. Conditions can outweigh self-control and ultimately shift the balance between motivation and self-discipline. A disconnection from the self can occur with goals that would be considered abstract, leading to procrastination. This year has an energy supporting the need to gain clarity on goals and then focus the effort toward that aim. With goal-setting, the motivational energy can bring equal measures of resistance to any movement, such as believing the reward is too far into the future.
Perfectionism is a major factor in putting things off for another day. Anyone with lofty standards and emotional sensitivity can experience demotivation evoked through a lowering of self-esteem and a perception that the effort will not measure up to a standard. The best way to offset procrastination tendencies is to break down the goals into small steps and take the time to enjoy the reward of accomplishment with each small measure of success.
Humans live in a world that provides a forum for action in a stimulating environment. Any goal that does not include a certain amount of sensation can reduce the motivation. Many forms of stimulation bring temporary exhilaration that does not compare to the depth of a reward that brings fulfillment to the soul. The best approach is to form concrete, reachable goals void of magical thinking and grounded in the small steps toward completion. Once in place, allow self-awareness to determine any demotivation, heuristic, or hindering factors linked to procrastination. Monitor your thoughts to make discoveries. Energetically balance the Solar Plexus. Take deep breaths and inhale enough energy of love to propel thoughts into action.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“Don’t let procrastination take over your life. Be brave and take risks. Your life is happening right now.”
Roy T. Bennett
