2. Did you notice any avoidance, dawdling or procrastination when you were supposed to be carrying out the planned schedule?

Behind avoidance there is often a fear that we will not be able to manage with something; the task before us seems too large or difficult. Often, however, the fear about negative consequences is actually worse than the reality. Identify what kinds of avoidance mechanisms you may use. Gaming? Interacting on social media? Rushing from one activity to the next? Social activities?

 

Situations where you typically dawdle

  • When a task seems difficult
  • When a task requires a lot of time
  • When you think you may lack the skills or knowledge needed for a task

 

Reasons behind dawdling

  • Perfectionism
  • Lack of self-confidence, low expectations of success
  • Insecurity or fear of criticism

Putting off starting something is not always the same as dawdling or procrastination. Some other matter may really be more important, for example, or one may just not feel up to doing all the things planned.

 

Breaking down the goals into sufficiently small bits is the best way to end dawdling and avoidance. Think about the smallest action you could take that would lead towards the goal, then make that your short-term goal and do it. This will get your energy to move in the right direction.

The best time to begin is NOW. One good tip for getting started is the pomodoro technique. Try it out by concentrating for half an hour: http://pomodorotechnique.com/ .

Remember to reward yourself after achieving even small goals. If is demotivating if the award is just barely visible on the far horizon behind a huge mountain of work. Why not award yourself at the end of, say, a week of success?