I'm postponing procrastination!

...he said in an Aha moment[i]) Alexandros during the coaching session. At the beginning of the conversation, he characteristically stated that his systematic procrastination has made him a spectator of his own life. Most of us have at some point said «leave it for tomorrow», even for easy tasks. In Alexandros’ case, this was a way of life.

Fear of failure, low tolerance for the cancellation of plans, catastrophizing, perfectionism, self-deprecation, low levels of self-esteem and self-confidence, difficulty with self-control, low energy levels, high levels of anxiety, a tiring or boring activity that needs to be completed, are some of the causes of procrastination.

I share with you a part of the conversation[ii] with Alexander.

Coach: What have you done so far to manage your procrastination?;

Alexander: I made a list of the tasks I have to do and divided them into small pieces. I set priorities taking into account the completion date but also the importance of each task. I set reminders on my phone, post it on the mirror, created tasks in outlook. I configured my office space to inspire me to work. I have done everything… there are always tasks that I postpone.

Coach: What would your daily life be like if there were no tasks to put off?;

Alexander: More functional and productive.

Coach: What's stopping you from stopping procrastinating?;

Alexander: The other one...

Coach: Who else?;

Alexander: My other self!

Coach: If you had a conversation with your other self, what would you say to them?;

Alexander: I would ask him, "Why are you procrastinating, buddy?"«

 Coach: What do you think he will answer you?;

Alexander: This is what I know how to do, to postpone.…

Coach: And then what will you tell him?;

Alexander: To postpone...

Coach: What to postpone?;

Alexander: …His procrastination! That's it! I'm postponing my procrastination now.

Thank you. coach!  

How do you deal with your procrastination?;

I'm here to discuss it!

[i] The Ah, yes. moment, in Greek known as “the moment of revelation” or “the moment of clarity” or “the moment of insight”, is the sudden understanding or awareness of a previously incomprehensible problem or concept. The moment when all the pieces of the puzzle suddenly fall into place and can lead to new ideas and solutions. Aha moments can occur at any time during the coaching session. They are often accompanied by feelings of joy, relief and satisfaction.

[ii] Important note: The name Alexandros is fantastic. The specific dialogue in the context of the coaching session is indicative and in no way constitutes a proven way to deal with procrastination. Each coachee who receives the coaching service utilizes his/her own resources and finds his/her own solutions.