Procrastination isn’t what we think it is…

Rather, I believe there are 4 factors that one must implement and/or overcome to get things done. They are…

1. Have a clear Path to achieve the goal
2. Have a clear Pain if the goal is not acted upon
3. Have a clear Pleasure in the action of the goal
4. Have a clear Purpose to achieve the goal

1. Most people “procrastinate” because the path the to success is unclear. 

When we look at American schools, students are given clear directions and rubrics how to get an “A.” The problem here is that the real world doesn’t offer this clarity. Rather, it makes you figure it out as you go, and in fearing that they won’t figure it out, many fail to even start.

If you want to be successful, don’t be afraid to find and create your own path to achievement.

For example, if someone signs up for a gym membership for $10 a month, it’s not really that painful not to go.

But, if someone pays $500 a month for a gym membership, then not going is quite painful.

If you want to make positive changes in your life, make it too painful to stay the same.

The answer…

“The one you enjoy the most.”

It doesn’t matter if it’s tennis, hiking, or lifting weights, if you enjoy it, you’ll stick with it. If you don’t, you’ll have to change your mindset (and likely procrastinate) or try another route.

For example, take a woman who has smoked all her life but is now pregnant. Quitting smoking becomes a lot more likely when there’s a strong cause that comes with it.

So before you label your teenager, colleague, partner, or even yourself as “lazy” or a “procrastinator,” try exploring these four factors and see if that can help increase their belief in themselves (or yourself) and take action!