Breaking the procrastination, bingeing and perfectionist cycle

‘Nothing that I’ve ever achieved has come without consistent application until I achieve the result.’

Breaking the procrastination, bingeing and perfectionist cycle is tough. In our last blog we talked about keeping up the momentum and motivation. Especially, whilst working from home. Without a doubt, dare we say it, in the lead up to the end of the year.

This blog we continue this focus to take a deep dive into consistency. In short, it makes sense that consistent effort towards our goals means that we can achieve great things. Above all, without the unnecessary stress. Furthermore, we know that this is particularly important right now. We don’t need more stress in our lives. Yet, many clients we have talked to are getting caught up in the procrastination, bingeing and perfection cycle. A cycle that causes more stress in the moment and over the long term.

What is happening in the procrastination, bingeing and perfectionist cycle?

Firstly, is interesting to reflect on what is happening when we are procrastinating. There might be a few reasons for procrastination. Including, feeling bored, lonely or stressed. Similarly, feeling like a task is too hard or too big, even insurmountable. Moreover, you might be procrastinating because you don’t like the task; it’s not your task and you’ve been dumped with a monkey on your back. Or maybe the goal posts are moving.

Whatever the case, we simply can’t seem to get moving on a task. As a result, we may know what to do. But can’t seem to fire up the motivation or momentum to start.

Consequently, this lack of action starts to cause a build-up in stress. As a rule, this stress will build up until the deadline is fast looming, or even past. In most cases, this will lead to a huge binge of work. Bingeing can mean long days or many hours of dedicated work. Punching work out until it is completed. Unfortunately, this leaves you feeling tired and worn out.

By the same token, this is also when people start to delegate. Pushing the ‘monkey’ over the fence to get it off their desk. Consequently, others are getting dumped with the work and the stress builds up for then. Alternatively, you might freeze. Unable to do the work, despite the deadline.

The perfectionistic attitude kicks in somewhere along the line. Hence, the task doesn’t get finished because now it’s not perfect.

breaking the procrastination, bingeing and perfection cycle

What if I thrive under these conditions?

Acknowledging that a lot of people thrive under these conditions. Some personalities even do their best work. The end result is a cycle of unnecessary stress. Admittedly, stress that is often transferred onto others. Even if we manage to keep it to ourselves, and get the job done.

In general, it is a really good thing to consider: are you thriving? Or surviving? And what is the impact on others? It may be that you can handle the stress fine. Importantly, you team or family members or others around you may not feel the same way. Particularly, if you are transferring your stress onto them.

How to break the cycle?

Previously, we discussed momentum and motivation. To get momentum, we simply need to be moving forward. One of the easiest things we can do is to break big goals down into smaller chunks. Similarly, large tasks down into smaller tasks. Undoubtedly this will make sense. Importantly, the key is to pick any small piece and start doing it. Furthermore, setting a count-down and alarm on your phone really helps. Set your phone to 15 minutes and go for it.

In summary here’s the steps:

Break down the goal
Pick a piece to start
Set the clock on your phone to 15 minutes
Start, and DO NOT stop, until the alarm goes off
When the alarm goes off, hit repeat

Repeat until the task is finished. It is that first 15 minutes that gives you the momentum to get going.

Take just 15 minutes per day to nudge forward

With this 15-minute block of time in mind, think about expanding that to 15 minutes per day. If you nudge tasks along, just 15 minutes per day, it will make a massive difference. You will finish the task, over time, with a lot less stress.

Importantly, for most people, the best time of day is first thing in the morning. Consequently, if you do this, first thing in the morning. Before you open email or log on to other forums. In spite of everything else you have on during the day. Hit your 15-minute task and you will 100 percent thank yourself for doing it. Undoubtedly, it is these consistent actions that will make a difference over time.

How does pursuing consistency make a difference?

Without a doubt, pursuing consistency, rather than the endless and stressful cycle of procrastination, bingeing and perfection will make a difference. Indeed, you may start to: