Procrastination and Boredom Go Hand-In-Hand

Here’s the scenario … You have things that need attention and important tasks that need to get done. In fact, there’s a lot to do.

But nothing on your “A” list – or even “B” or “C” lists – feels compelling. Not even when ignoring your responsibilities and to-dos could blow up on you.

If that sounds familiar, you’re probably bored. (As a friend of mine often says, “Ya think?!”)

Boredom is a major energy drain … and when left unchecked, creates a downward spiral. Not only is it incredibly difficult to get motivated to do whatever it is you’re bored with, it becomes difficult to get motivated to do much of anything.

So you mindlessly play solitaire, web-surf, clean grout with a Q-tip or similarly mind-numbing activities.

The most obvious solution to boredom is to change your situation. And that’s important.

But if you’re not able to do that quickly (and I recommend you at least start taking small steps), you can still break out of the boredom cycle.

Become mindful about mindlessly procrastinating.

Seriously. The very nature of boredom-induced procrastination is mindless-ness.

So, if you’re going to procrastinate, do it mindfully.

Every time you feel the urge to web-surf, play solitaire or engage in whatever procrastination pattern you’ve fallen into:

• Take three deep breaths.
• Then stand up and walk around your office, your desk, the hall, whatever your setup is. If you work from home, crank up some music and literally dance or jump around. If you’re in an office, try to find a private spot and just bounce around – even if that means you have to hide out in the bathroom. You want to shift your energy.
• Three more breaths.
• Ask yourself, “What is one thing I can do right now to engage myself and be present.
• And the final question, “What am I going to choose right now.”

Don’t judge your choices. The goal is to work on making more mindful choices. And give yourself a chance to see a change – don’t beat yourself up if not perfect out of the box.

One step at a time and you will break out of the boredom cycle.