• Kaley Gardiner
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  • "I Choose To...": The Simple Switch to Beat Procrastination

"I Choose To...": The Simple Switch to Beat Procrastination

We all know procrastination, that uninvited guest that overstays its welcome, leaving us struggling to get things done or scrambling to meet deadlines.

It’s the hurdle between us and our most productive selves, often stemming from a fear of failure, rejection, or the simple dread of making a mistake.

But why do we procrastinate? It's not just a bad habit; it's a psychological safety net.

Our brains are wired to keep us within the bounds of comfort. When we face the possibility of failure or rejection, our survival instincts kick in, urging us to stay in our safety zone.

This aversion to risk can be so strong that it stops us in our tracks, delaying progress.

Developing resilience can shift this mindset. It helps us view each challenge not as a potential disaster but as a manageable situation that we can navigate and learn from.

Here's where the power of words comes into play.

Think about the last time you told yourself, "I must finish this project," or "I have to get this done today." Did you feel motivated or burdened?

Phrases like "I must," "I need to," and "I have to" can subconsciously signal a threat. They carry a weight that can trigger resistance and avoidance, binding us with invisible chains of pressure and obligation.

However, there is a simple linguistic trick that can revolutionise the way you tackle tasks. It's not a new-fangled technique, but rather a subtle shift in language that brings a profound change in perspective.

Replace "I must" with "I choose to..." Feel the difference?

This small change transforms an obligation into a decision, placing you back in control.

By choosing resilience over avoidance, you empower yourself to break free from the procrastination cycle and approach tasks with renewed confidence and energy.

It dismantles the looming fear that often accompanies tasks and reframes them as choices, which can lead to a more willing and proactive approach.

Putting this into practice is straightforward. Next time you're faced with a daunting task, say out loud, "I choose to work on this presentation," or "I choose to write this this report."

Notice the shift in your mindset as you reclaim the driver's seat, transforming procrastination into proactive action.

The words we use have power – power that can either bind us to procrastination or free us to act. By consciously choosing our language, we can overcome the paralysis of fear and step into a space of empowerment.

So, what do you choose to do today?

Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

Kaley ✨

PS. If you found this helpful please consider sharing it with your network ♻️

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