I’m aware that I can get in my own way when it comes to things I have to do. I can procrastinate like the very best! I might not start and I might soothe the discomfort in ways that are unhelpful or mindless like doom scrolling or unhealthy snacking.
I have identified a mantra through my journal – “Just Begin. Stay with yourself”.
To guide me in those moments I’ve created a little checklist. It’s like a message in a bottle to “stuck” me from the me that’s still got his executive function switched on. I have it in the front page of my pocket notebook and it’s something I can turn to easily when the need arises. Your message in a bottle might be different, but here’s mine for you to use or just to use as inspiration if you want to make your own.
– Begin before you feel ready.
– Stay when it gets uncomfortable.
– Begin again when you drift.
– Stay, even when you want to run.
Small moves matter.
I hope there’s some benefit in this post for you. I’m noticing that it might be a way for me to drift away from today’s important but not fun tasks, so I’m going to go back to step 3…. have a great day!