Overcoming Procrastination and Perfectionism
Yikes! Is this you?
I will show you exactly how to overcome your procrastination and perfectionism...even it if seems hopeless
Hi! If you're like most of the artists, writers and creative entrepreneurs I work with, procrastination and perfectionism are major obstacles to your success. Maybe even worse is the tremendous amount of frustration, discouragement and disappointment that results. Honestly, who wouldn't be frustrated and discouraged when every time you try to start a project, you end up going down the same rabbit hole with exactly the same result...nothing. Your intentions are the best, and you want to believe the work is worthwhile, but no matter how hard you try, you fail to accomplish what you set out to do...or it takes way, way too long. It's such a struggle. Many conclude they're just too lazy, untalented or unmotivated...and then they simply give up.
I am here to tell you, it doesn't have to be this way. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Susan Fuller and I have worked with clients overcoming procrastination and perfectionism for more than 20 years. In all those years I have never seen anyone whose procrastination or perfectionism represented a personal flaw or quirk of nature. In my experience, there is always a good reason...always. That means the first step in overcoming procrastination and perfectionism is recognizing that the behavior, difficult though it may be, it not a reflection of your value as a human being. Thinking otherwise is just plain mean, and the worst part is it keeps you stuck in the struggle of avoidance, of fits and starts beginnings, of never finishing...and then finally just giving up in despair.
Here's what I've learned about procrastination and perfectionism • There is always a good reason for the behavior...always. • Though they look a bit different on the surface, procrastination and perfectionism are essentially the same problem. • Sometimes procrastinating just means it's not time yet...and sometimes it doesn't. The trick is learning to know the difference. • The usual strategies for overcoming procrastination and perfectionism will never ever work unless you address the core issues causing them. • It's not your 'fault'. The behaviors say absolutely nothing about your value or worth. • Overcoming procrastination and perfectionism is totally possible. • And it doesn't have to be a struggle.
The Things Everyone Tries...that Never, Ever Work • Beating yourself up. This is just mean and a total waste of energy...and it never, ever works. • Trying to discipline yourself. If only you could set up the right schedule, manage your time better, or ignore distractions, you'd stop your procrastination and perfectionism. There are techniques to help you manage your schedule, your time or say no to distractions, but tell me honestly, just how many organizers and systems have you bought over the years? • Trying to motivate yourself. There is a whole industry of motivational speakers, self help gurus and coaches who try to tell you overcoming procrastination and perfectionism is just a question of motivation. and knowing the 'right' techniques Sometimes it even works for a few hours or days, but before long you find yourself right back where you were before...and feeling worse than ever. The truth is that no amount of motivation...real or artificial...is going to get you out of this trap because that's not the source of the problem. • Trying to learn more. The idea that you can learn your way out of procrastination and perfectionism is an enticing one. Wouldn't it be wonderful to get that little bit of special knowledge that you alone seem to lack, and then you'd miraculously be able to accomplish your goals. Sorry. There are no magic bullets. There is no missing bit of knowledge.
None of things work because rather than solve the problem, they reinforce the underlying issues, so all you end up doing is getting caught up in another cycle of struggle, blame and shame. And don't even get me started on the self help gurus who offer a slew of "tried and true" techniques for you to implement. Rather than being "tried and true" they usually turn out to be nothing more than old and tired. Truth is if you were able to implement all the tools and techniques out there, you would have done so long ago. It's just not about the techniques you use. The techniques can actually be useful (I even share a few) once you've addressed the real reasons you procrastinate. If all you do is focus on the techniques and tools, you are doomed to failure.
The 4 major reasons people get stuck in procrastination and perfectionism.... 1. Fear...You may or may not be aware of the fear or what you're really afraid of, but fear is almost always in the mix. 2. Shame...We don't talk about this one much, and if we do, we see it as a result rather than the cause, but shame too is often at the heart of procrastination and perfectionism. 3. Overwhelm...In this culture most of us are aware of overwhelm as a problem, even understanding where it comes from, but we often don't know what to do about it. 4. Internal Conflict...This is often a conflict between what you think you 'should' be doing and what you want to be doing...and it is a very stuck place indeed. Less apparent are the conflicts between your various roles, values, and priorities. Some of you may have set up goals that are in direct conflict with each other. Resolving the conflicts goes a long way toward overcoming procrastination and perfectionism.
Any one of these is enough to get you well and truly stuck but they don't stop there. They weave themselves together to form that knot of paralysis you're so familiar with...is it any wonder you procrastinate? I have watched this play out so many times for so many people, and I know how to get you unstuck. That's why I've developed this class so you can untangle your reasons for avoiding starting and finishing the projects you want to accomplish.
In a group of people who share your concerns, you will learn... • How to treat yourself and your behaviors with compassion and understanding rather than blame and shame. • How to deal with fear so that it doesn't paralyze you. • See shame for what it is and dispel the myth that there really is something wrong with you. • How to deal with overwhelm when it comes up...and maybe even how to prevent it in the first place. • Tools for addressing your internal conflicts so you can bring all of your motivations and goals into alignment with who you really are and what you really want. • How to tell the difference between positive and negative procrastination and perfectionism.
So here are the details... 3 - 90 minute classes delivered by telephone conference call (long distance charges do apply). Class meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm EDT (New York time) Dates June 9, 16 & 23, 2009
* Long Distance Charges Apply
I so look forward to helping you overcome your procrastination and perfectionism so you can accomplsih your goals and fulfill your dreams. Won't you join me?
Susan L. Fuller Rhode Island
P.S Stop feeling like a failure. Stop struggling to get things done. Join 'Overcoming Procrastination and Perfectionism' Now!
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