How to Stop Procrastination for Dummies
Recently, there has been a popular show called Squid Games.
I’ve been hearing about it nonstop.
My barber was talking about it.
Saw social media posts on it.
Had acquaintances text me saying how I HAD to watch it.
Even though I was being bombarded to watch this show…
I was procrastinating.
Normally, I used to think procrastination would only happen with productive work.
Like reading a book, going to the gym, meal prep, etc.
But in this case, it was for a TV show.
Why?
The rest of this blog is going to explain why.
As I deconstruct the WHY, you will learn how to stop procrastination in respect to your life.
A ninja-like way to learn is to learn from someone else’s experiences while viewing them from your experiences.
Why I was Procrastinating with Squid Games
‘Okay, so you procrastinated with the show?’
Yes.
The reason why was because I don’t just watch TV to unwind.
Nowadays, I watch a show as a storyteller.
I look out for different angles, music tracks playing in specific scenes, storylines, etc.
As I heard more about Squid Games, I KNEW this was going to be an incredible storytelling class.
A part of me thought:
‘I am going to have to work.’
Despite me doing a task that would help me unwind, the mere idea of WORK caused me to procrastinate.
If you’ve been procrastinating, the first thing you want to do is find out what you have been procrastinating on.
You’ll be surprised how many people do not do this.
They just say:
‘I am a procrastinator.’
When it’s too general of a statement, you create the identity of a procrastinator.
This is known as an identity-based procrastinator.
On the other hand, when you say:
‘I have been procrastinating with watching Squid Games.’
Now you become an act-based procrastinator.
Which isn’t as scary.
Overcome Procrastination In Less Time
‘Alright Armani, so did you end up watching Squid Games?’
I watched 3 episodes thus far.
‘Dope! What did you do to get yourself to watch? Let me guess. You wrote out a plan, played some hype music, visualized, wrote it in your journal, then executed, right?’
Nope.
I turned on Netflix & watched it.
That’s all.
With procrastination, it’s smart to strip away layers rather than add them on.
Similar phenomena with anxiety.
- Adrenaline + Giving yourself more time to respond = Anxiety
- Adrenaline + Giving yourself less time to respond = Creativity.
Likewise, when you face procrastination, introducing more barriers leads to more procrastination.
Because you create the narrative of ‘work.’
You just gotta say, ‘fuck it, let’s do it.’
Then do it.
This becomes much easier when you went from a:
- Identity based procrastinator -> Act based procrastinator.
Someone who is like:
‘I’m a procrastinator.’
Will have 0 clue what to do they say, ‘fuck it, let’s do it.’
They will start spinning in circles.
Or running scared like a game of Red light Green light.
Ooops, I gave away a part of the Squid Games episode. I’m sorry.
Just gotta do it.
Nike Voice.
Can Procrastination Fully Be Eliminated?
There was this powerful quote I once heard that went something like:
‘Problems never run out. You’re either in a problem, left one, or headed towards one.’
Even though this quote sounds daunting, I found it liberating.
It made the role of problems click for me.
It allowed me to understand that problems are there to help us level up.
This is a concept I bring up in more detail in the Level Up Mentality.
You can grab a copy from Amazon here:
Likewise, there’s always something sneaking up that causes us to procrastinate.
- It can be something big like creating a speech.
- It can be something small like taking out the trash.
I believe there is a role of procrastination in terms of productivity.
Each level of procrastination overcome leads to elevated levels of productivity in the future.
You start conditioning the mindset of a DOER rather than a TALKER to your subconscious.
The unconfident person begins many tasks & finishes none.
The confident person begins tasks & finishes them.
Extra Precautions Against Procrastination
Humans are awful time managers.
When left unchecked, it’s difficult to not waste time.
People are wired for comfort, not discomfort.
Any form of self-improvement consists of discomfort.
‘If we are wired for comfort & not discomfort, how the hell do we improve?’
Through a system.
You need to work on a routine that governs your day.
Without the routine, you won’t win the day over.
Instead, the day wins you over. Which is not good.
That’s when you end each night wondering:
‘Geez, I didn’t get anything done today. This year is flying by & I have nothing to show for it!’
Create a system.
If you need guidance, I have 2 resources for that.
1. Here is a 20-minute time management class I did on Skillshare.
You can watch it here.
2. A Personal Organizer journal that helps you organize the day.
This journal gives you an undated calendar to set the theme for the month.
Daily to-do lists.
A timed schedule that allows you to stay on track.
Grab a copy here.
Find a productivity system that works for you.
The chances of procrastinating plummets.
Change Your Narrative
Now you understand that everyone goes through procrastination.
It just may not be visible to the public.
Activities like watching TV can even be something prone to procrastinating.
Trust me, I know.
Rather than identifying as a person who doesn’t get things done, view it as an act-based situation.
This allows you to feel free & capable of making change.
Productivity & procrastination seem like enemies.
However, 1 side helps level up the other side.
When you are procrastinating, rather than labeling yourself as a bum.
Label yourself as a victor who is about to conquer another level in your journey.
Each problem you solve.
The smarter you become.
Each level of procrastination you overcome.
The more productive you become.
At a baseline level, humans are awful time managers.
Luckily, we become what we think & do repetitively.
Hopefully, you are now ready to change the narrative of people being awful time managers.
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– ArmaniTalks 
