There's a common misconception that there exists a 'perfect timing.'
Whether it's Monday, the first day of a month, or New Year’s Day, we tend to put a lot of pressure on these arbitrary start dates.
The problem? More often than not, they only serve to strengthen our procrastination muscles.
Why?
Because every time we delay our goals, we’re training our brain that it's okay to wait, that it's acceptable to postpone. It sets up a mental loop: “Not today, maybe tomorrow,” and so it goes.
Think about it. How many times have you promised yourself to start on a certain date, only to let that day come and go without making a move? How many times have you put off your dreams for that elusive "perfect timing"?
I can relate. Years ago, I kept putting off taking the first step toward my own goals, waiting for the "right" moment. I'd often think, "I'll wait until the timing feels right."
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, months into years. Seven years to be exact.
I realized I was trapped in a never-ending loop of postponing and waiting. Not only that, I realized I was quite literally lying to myself and others about my reason(s) for not starting.
Once I took that first step, it was easier to take the second, and I was actually excited to take the third.
And that's how it goes. But by setting these artificial deadlines, we’re not only killing our ambitions but also drifting further away from our dreams.
Every single time you push the start date, you're pushing your dreams further out of reach.
The Ever-Moving Goalpost
Just like in a game of soccer, if the goalpost keeps getting moved further and further back, scoring becomes nearly impossible.
Similarly, when you consistently put off starting, your goals and dreams keep receding, making them harder to achieve.
Consider the concept of a game trail. Such trails emerge when animals repeatedly tread the same path in the woods. In much the same way, our brains work on patterns. The more frequently we succumb to procrastination, the more entrenched and familiar these neural pathways become.
People who make a decision and act on it immediately are the ones who experience progress. They understand a fundamental truth - there's no better time than now to start.
The Misunderstood Relationship: Action and Motivation
A common trap that many fall into is the belief that motivation leads to action. “When I'm motivated, I'll start writing/working out/eating better.” But here's a revelation: this is not how it usually works.
As per the research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, action and behavior often precede motivation. Simply put, you need to start acting, and as you do, the motivation will follow.
Let’s say you don’t “feel” like going to the gym. But you go anyway and just decide to do a light workout. Ten minutes in, and suddenly, you’re feeling pumped and end up doing a full-blown workout session.
Why? Because taking that initial action kickstarted the motivation.
It’s akin to a snowball effect. The more you act, the more motivated you become, and this leads to even more action.
As the great Zig Ziglar said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
Stop Waiting, Start Doing
Waiting for inspiration or motivation is a treacherous path. Instead, focus on taking baby steps, small actions that eventually lead to massive results.
Remember, motivation isn’t something that magically appears; it’s something that is cultivated through consistent action.
So, don’t wait for Monday, the 1st of the month, or any other arbitrary date. Kick procrastination to the curb, and understand that every moment you delay is a moment wasted.
Embrace the now, take action, and watch as motivation envelops you, propelling you toward your goals.
Ready for a Change?
Inspired to take your personal development journey to the next level? Let’s make it happen together! Email us at www.alpstra.com to find out more how we can help you and your team kick procrastination to the curb and take action NOW!
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – and there's no better time to take that step than now.