Page 137 - End Procrastination Now Get it Done with a Proven Psychological Approach

Act Decisively 105

1. A problem exists when you have a gap between where you
are and where you’d like to be. The gap contains unknowns,
and solving the problem is ordinarily going to require an eval-
uation, generating solutions, testing the solutions, and over-
powering coexisting procrastination processes when they
interfere with preparation for and execution of the solutions.
2. A lot depends on how you define a problem situation. A
well-articulated question can help point you in a direction
where you can find answers. Directions for solutions are
often built into such questions. For example, what steps are
involved in ending decision-making procrastination that
applies to your situation? This question focuses on the prob-
lem and the importance of identifying steps for a solution.
3. Next, define the problem conditions. New questions can
stimulate answers that expand and clarify problem-related
issues. What, where, when, how, and why questions help
to flesh out problem identification issues. What pressing
decisions are you likely to duck? Where is this likely to
occur? At what point (when) are you most likely to delay?
What do you tell yourself when you hesitate? Why do you
think you find it so troublesome to decide this issue? Play
with different scenarios in which you reverse the questions
to give direction to acting efficiently and effectively.
4. Reframing problems can lead to different options and con-
clusions. The idea is to reframe the situation so that you
move from a procrastination to a do-it-now track. Use ques-
tions to reframe the process. What if my assumptions are
inaccurate? What assumptions are likely to be accurate?
What other assumptions can I consider? Imagine that your
decision leads to unexpected consequences (which can be
positive, negative, or both) without putting down or praising
yourself. Obtain three alternative views from three people
who ordinarily have different perspectives.