Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of self-narrative in overcoming procrastination by choosing empowering words and phrases to foster action and change.

Abstract

The article "Procrastination Is Only A Story" argues that our internal dialogue significantly influences our behavior, particularly when it comes to procrastination. It suggests that by consciously selecting positive and proactive language, individuals can transform their narratives and improve their ability to focus and act. The author, who experiences distractions while writing in a coffee shop, illustrates common self-defeating thoughts and contrasts them with more productive self-talk, such as replacing "I can't" with "I will." The piece underscores the power of words in shaping our actions and encourages readers to adopt a proactive approach to self-talk to combat procrastination and foster momentum. It also promotes the idea that the questions we ask ourselves, such as switching from "why me?" to "what can I do about this?", can significantly impact our mindset and productivity. The author concludes by inviting readers to visit their website for more insights and a free program designed to facilitate significant personal changes.

Opinions

The author believes that the language we use to talk to ourselves directly affects our actions and can either perpetuate procrastination or encourage productivity.
It is suggested that procrastination is not an inherent trait but a narrative that can be rewritten with more positive language.
The article posits that even subtle changes in self-talk, such as using "I will" instead of "I must," can lead to significant behavioral changes.

Procrastination Is Only A Story

If you want to stay focused, you need to change your narrative.

“I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body. Then I realized who was telling me this.” — Emo Philips

We all have a story, and this is written with the words we use. If you tell yourself you suffer from anxiety, it’s likely that you will. If you tell yourself you’re stressed, you’re going to act accordingly.

It is therefore critical to choose your words carefully, especially when talking to yourself.

In a world full of distractions, our stories about procrastination have become particularly problematic, with many people crippled by an inability to act.

I’m not immune to this modern-day phenomenon, and as I sat in a coffee shop writing this article, I found myself struggling with this very thing.

Distracted on many fronts — some important, some not — my thinking sounded something like this:

“Maybe it’s best if I do X first.”

“I’ll just check my emails and social media. Then I’ll get back into it.”

“Am I hungry?”

“Maybe I should start tomorrow.”

“I wonder if there is anything good on TV tonight?”

When this kind of internal dialogue goes unchecked, nothing gets done. When you do catch it, however, it is vital that you act. I switch all of the above with “Just do it,” or, if I’m feeling less motivated, I’ll say “Let’s just make a start.”

Sometimes a start is all you need, and momentum takes care of the rest.

Procrastination is a wily foe, however, so it’s important to track any language that stops you from taking action. For example, reactive phrases such as “I can’t”, “I must,” and “if only” should be replaced with proactive phrases such as “I will,” “I choose to,” and “let’s look at this another way.”

It’s also important to track the questions you ask yourself. For instance, replacing “why me?” with “what can I do about this?” will instil a sense of strength, directing you towards corrective action, rather than procrastinating about your problems.

This practice is empowering, and when you make the switch, even your posture will change.

Procrastination is a story, and this is written with the words you use. To combat this problem, you need to choose your words wisely.

Your future tomorrow depends on the actions you take today. So make sure you use the best words possible to ensure you have a good one.

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