Page 48 - End Procrastination Now Get it Done with a Proven Psychological Approach

16 End Procrastination Now!

couch to free-associate about early childhood issues about procras-
tination can be a diversion. Table 1.1 describes a sample of procras-
tination styles and corrective actions.
Procrastination styles may surface in different contexts and
have some unique twists. However, the underlying procrastination
processes are roughly comparable. Thus, when you understand
this underlying process, you can use this knowledge to address
procrastination across a variety of contexts and styles.

Self-Absorbed versus
Self-Observant Perspectives

Acknowledging a procrastination habit is a critical step on the path
to change. Having some preexisting knowledge of what lies on the
path is better yet. You’ll know where to look and what to target.
Even if you don’t have an interest in tackling procrastination now,
understanding how the process works may later lead you to ex-
periment with counter-procrastination ideas and techniques.
Moving from a procrastination path to a productive one often
starts with a shift from feeling absorbed in procrastination process
thinking, feeling, and behaving to a self-observant problem-solving
perspective. When you are self-absorbed, you draw inward. You’re
concerned about how you feel, how you might look to others, or
whether you are perfect enough. When you are absorbed in such
anxious thoughts and feelings, you may find it hard to keep your
productive goals in focus. Procrastination thoughts may linger as
you languish. This inward view finds outward expression in pro-
crastination.
A self-observant way of knowing and doing involves a radical
shift from an inward to a reality perspective that is elegant in its
simplicity:

1. Monitor your thoughts, feelings, and actions and do a
perception check.