One thing we always include in our team meeting is some form of learning. For instance, a couple of our members suffer from tennis elbow so we watched a video about it from one of the top experts.
Our learning also goes beyond exercise. We discuss issues such as goal setting and procrastination – from the Latin pro meaning “toward” and crastinus meaning “tomorrow.” After all, who can say that they aren’t guilty of “putting off till tomorrow?”
Exercise and eating right are two things that are important but not urgent. If we skip one workout, chances are everything will be alright. However, if we constantly skip workouts and make poor food choices, we will ultimately have much bigger problems to deal with.
I think I figured out why we procrastinate. We don’t want to do what we know we have to.:)
There are several reasons why we procrastinate. I’ll share one reason why I have. I lacked confidence in my ability. I didn’t think I could succeed and didn’t want to prove that by trying. I, of course, didn’t realize that at the time.
Other reasons we procrastinate include not thinking the task is worth it (Will going out for a run really make a difference?) and following the path of least resistance (Should I get up and get to the gym or watch this show?).
We use many techniques for putting things off.
- We reward ourselves before doing what we probably won’t get around to doing. Ever tell yourself this? “Once I get a good night’s rest, I’ll get up and exercise.”
- We estimate the time we have and decide it’s not enough. For example, we say, “I only have 15 minutes so there’s no point in doing it because I need 30 minutes.” One of our team members admitted to this one.
- We think (and sometimes talk) about all the things we want to do but never actually do them. This fantasy land provides immediate enjoyment but never leads to real results.
There are other techniques we use as we seem to be quite sophisticated in procrastination. But I’d rather focus on what we CAN do about it…
- Reward yourself only after a difficult task, not before – For example, “I’ll allow myself one treat only if I eat effectively for the rest of the day/week.”
- Take responsibility for excuses – If you only have 10 minutes to do something, recognize that you’ll have 10 minutes less to do when finishing it later.
- Set aside time in your calendar for the task – Pencil in your workout. Don’t wait until you have time. Make time.
- Set a deadline – This can be difficult because we know the deadline is something arbitrary that we are setting ourselves. However, what would happen if you had to give $300 to a cause you despised if you didn’t finish your task by a certain date?
At the end of the day it’s all about ACTION and an action oriented mindset.
Now go out there and do the thing you know you need to do!
Billy Hofacker B.S., CSCS, FMS LEVEL 1
Click Here to Learn more about Billy H
P.S. If you need help with taking the right steps to lose some weight or just feel your best, reply and let me know.
P.P.S. I referenced the book Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda by Dr. Arthur Freeman and Rose DeWolf in writing this article.