Often we find ourselves in a situation that requires us to make a decision that will result in change !

At times we can feel guilty that we have not yet made the decision and therefore not got on with what ever change we have to make.  For example, finding another job, making a career change, dealing with a situation, or resolving an ongoing issue.   Pressure to “get on with it ” builds either from within ourselves or from others.

Recently I met a client , Jack, who had commenced some study for a qualification that he felt was required and by doing it would open up new opportunities.  In an effort not to waste time on what seemed like an important thing to do , Jack commenced the study and found  it most unrewarding.  His response was to this was to procrastinate in getting the assignments completed .  The course of study had flexible timelines so it was relatively easy to “procrastinate” .  Anxiety mounted in the form of irrational feelings of being lazy , fear of failure , and questioning his ability.  Jack moved beyond his irrational fears and decided quite deliberately to procrastinate , delay completing the study.  In allowing himself to do that he found that he could do without the qualification , it was something he was not going to enjoy anyway and the decision to embark on it in the first place was probably made in haste.

There are many times when I think we can be kind to ourselves and just take some time , not get caught up in the perceived urgency of the matter, and allow the events to unfold . Often the answer is there, we just have just been too focused on making things happen to recognise this.

Being kind to ourself can also mean not feeling guilty about what we think is procrastination. ” I should be more focused, I should be doing something , I should have been able to make the decision by now , I must not put it off any longer”.

There are often benefits in delaying,  versus acting simply out of fear of procrastination. More information emerges, the situation resolves it self, events unfold that change the situation yet again, taking time can mean that a decision becomes obvious,  and most importantly if relaxed we can think more clearly.

So do not feel you must act to avoid procrastination, give yourself permission to delay the decision !