elliot freeman

Procrastinate

2024 · short

If you constantly procrastinate on the things that matter, read this.

We all have dreams like writing a book, travelling, starting a business or a creative project. And yet we kick the can down the road.

If that’s truly what we wanted, why would we do that?

The answer: resistance.

Resistance shows up when we’re about to step outside of our comfort zone.

It’s fear but it presents itself as rational-sounding thoughts.

This is what causes us to procrastinate.

For example, rather than reaching out to a contact who could help us in our life, we say things like: “I don’t have time right now”, “they’re probably too busy”, or “I’d be embarrassed if they don’t reply”.

We’re stopping ourselves from doing the things that will lead to a new version of ourselves: a bigger, more empowered person.

That’s scary for our ego, which is focused on self-preservation and safety even if it means maintaining the current conditions that leave us unhappy.

This concept is covered brilliantly by Steven Pressfield in the War of Art.

He says: “the more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we feel pursuing it”.

Today, I reframe the feelings of discomfort that I get when approaching a task I’m afraid of.

I recognise that growth is meant to be uncomfortable. I’m stretching the boundaries of myself.

So when I notice resistance, I know it’s a sign that I’ve got to do it. For my own evolution.

Resistance becomes my compass.

A friend, rather than an enemy.

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