Procrastination Busters

Jessi Elliott
Mar 29, 2022
4 min read

First, Let's Drop The Guilt

I’m trading in the feelings of guilt and shame for a more positive perspective in regards to the way that I view my procrastination cycle. It usually goes like this: First, I get excited about a project. Then, I create an awesome plan and begin to execute it with great enthusiasm. It goes well with momentum for a while, but then of course life happens and then the gears switch or slow down. This can be due to a daily stressor pile up, a legitimate emergency, a simple distraction, you name it. Finally, time passes and the original project that I was so excited about still provokes a spark within me. However, the light is dimmer because of the guilt or shame I feel for not sticking with my plan, finishing sooner, thinking I can do better, etc. Does this cycle sound familiar to you? Are you currently going through this or have you experienced this before? It kind of sucks, huh? Though life can pull us in many directions and sometimes it takes more effort to stick to our visions, dreams, and goals, the inner work is worth it! With that said, my procrastination cycle as well as the way that I view it is changing for the better. I wish you much success on your path towards a healthy view of procrastination's role in your life too!

Now, For A Shift In Perspective

How does one gain or maintain a positive view about procrastination? Well, like most growth and transformation practices (at least for me at this time) it's easier said than done. The practice is to go with the ebb just as much as I go with the flow. I'm pretty sure you're familiar with what it's like to go with the flow. So, what does the complimentary path look like? Fam, this is why it has taken me so long to post here! I'm exploring the ebb path in more depth as I write this. Apologies, of course, but please bear with me because the wisdom gems and fruits of the labor of this particular inner work are coming soon! If we're lucky and blessed enough, maybe they will show up in this post. So in advance, I'm saying this now, yes I hear you, thank you for your patience, and more please for your genuine support! You've got my support as well! Ok, now, what's this about 'The Ebb'? Simply put, it's the complementary component to 'The Flow'. With the flow everything seems to happen with divine timing, there's an experience of little resistance, and it can feel like riding a wave of perfect opportunity and bliss. With the ebb, in my personal opinion and experience, it's not quite like everything is the exact opposite of the flow. The ebb is a period of time that serves as the rev up to the flow where you gather your tools, skills, talents, and lessons in order to ride the flow wave with ease. Naturally in this space there seems to be more mystery, friction, and challenge that occurs as if trekking the less beaten path of a hike. The journey of the ebb hike can lead you to a beautiful, breathtaking view if you decide to move forward with wise use of your tools including knowledge of the terrain, a map of the trail options, healthy snacks and drinks for energy replenishment, etc. In short, when folks say that something may be a blessing in disguise I think that they may be referring to the ebb cycle in life. Also, I wish we would share more with each other about how to handle ourselves during this period, hence this blog post. If you're looking for some solutions, feel free to take the practice below as your own and adjust when and where necessary to fit your needs. If you're already smooth sailing with the ebb in your life, kudos to you and remember to share your story with others.

Practice Back To The Basics

Now that I'm more aware of what the ebb is like for me personally, and what it has to offer, I don't force it away. I collect my lessons and gently, steadily put these lessons to work. For me, that looks like hitting the internal reset button and getting back to the basics. So, when I get a sense that I'm not in the zone, disorganized, disoriented, out of practice, losing momentum, or anything of this nature I simply go with the ebb and utilize the practice below. You're welcome to practice this the next time you feel off and not in the zone if you'd like! ••• Back To Basics Practice ••• 1. Mental Stamina ~ Begin the day with 5-10 minutes of meditation and end the day with 10 minutes worth of reading. When it's time to kick it up a notch, say maybe after a week or two, hone in on consuming healthy brain foods and drinks. Blueberries, coconut oil, matcha, and lion's mane are easy to find and can boost memory recall as well as focus. Also, you can add one, some, or all to a smoothie for easy consumption. 2. Physical Fitness ~ Take a 10 minute walk to appreciate nature, get some fresh air, and move your body. Once this becomes a regular and consistent practice, incorporate at least 15-30 minutes of strength training. Bodyweight exercises like basic or progressive calisthenics and pilates are a great way to boost strength and power. Of course, lifting weights like dumbbells or bars and using assisted machines can be useful too. You can even incorporate resistance bands and alignment exercises into your routine to incest your probability to recover or prevent injuries. 3. Spirit Upliftment ~ Create space for free time in your schedule and do something for fun! Whether it's 10 minutes, 1 hour, or a whole day make free time a non negotiable part of your daily to dos. During this time you can start a new hobby or get back into an activity that warms your heart. You can hangout with loved ones, meet new people, or have some solo time. Whatever you decide to do, may it uplift your spirit and mood.