2 Self-Talk Hacks to Stop Procrastination on New Projects and Health Habits, or Building Relationships and Side-Projects as an Entrepreneur (who wears many hats). The Reminders that Work.
Procrastination for entrepreneurs is different.
Procrastination is a big thing for many entrepreneurs. But not because we are lazy. It’s big for us because we already have a lot of things to do, and starting a new thing, new project, new habit or simply scheduling a meeting, time for friends and hobbies, for reading and studying, or running an errand - it all just slips our mind while we are doing other things.
We don’t do some things because we do other things that are also important.
So how do we take action on new projects/habits to build new opportunities in the future VS always delaying the start❓
It’s all about self-talk and brain mathematics.
1. MAKE REWARD BIGGER TO START - PUMP UP IDEAS
Rewards are VERY subjective in our brains.
The exact same thing can be “meh” and “WOW!” for 2 different people or to the same person at different times.
So use this!
Pump up the reward though self-talk and visualization, make it “WOW!”, bring it closer, make it brighter to increase dopamine release, to increase “craving” for starting this new project.
2. MAKE COST SMALLER - REDUCE THE “COST” OF ENTRY
Costs in our brain are also subjective.
The simpler you are able to make the whole project in your head, the smaller you are able to make the entry barrier - the easier it’ll be for you to start.
Start with MVP. You can always add “pretty things” after.
3. USE THE RIGHT KIND OF TRIGGERS/REMINDERS/COMMITMENTS
And don’t forget to:
👉create space/time for your new venture;
👉get all the resources ready to go;
👉make quitting impossible!
On creating space/time, getting resources - please read my previous list here “3 missing steps that keep procrastination going"
How do you make quitting and delaying impossible?
Creating a commitment device is the best practice.
What is a commitment device?
It’s a public display, an agreement of your intention to act - get a buddy to do it with to keep each other accountable, sign up for some service to fine you if you don’t take action, ask a friend to post an embarrassing photo of you if you procrastinate again - some of the most popular ones.
We can do and achieve anything with the right strategies.
Often, for us entrepreneurs, wearing a lot of hats, adding new things seems impossible and yet we must figure out how to do so to move our life and business forward. And in the process we’ll change, we’ll adapt, we’ll reach new milestones.
Change is a guarantee in life. Will it be the one you want❓
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