Feel-Good Productivity

Overcome fear and uncertainty while doing tasks

Instructions

Identify the project you procrastinate on.
Start by clearly identifying which project or task you are delaying. Pinpointing the specific project helps you focus your efforts on overcoming procrastination where it most affects your productivity. Ask yourself, "Why am I procrastinating on this project?" Is it because of uncertainty, fear, or a mix of both?
Define the purpose behind that project.
Once you've identified the project, articulate its core purpose. Ask yourself, "What is the purpose behind this project?" Write down your answer. For example, if your project is to learn a new language, determine whether it's for personal enrichment or a specific travel plan. Knowing the "why" behind your project can fuel your motivation to finish it.
Break down your project into concrete actions.
Once you have a clear understanding of your project's purpose, translate this clarity into actionable steps. Break down each goal into specific, manageable tasks that you can act on. For instance, if your goal is to improve customer satisfaction, one concrete action could be to implement a new feedback system by the end of the quarter. It should be near-term! When a goal is urgent, it makes it more immediate in your mind. And you’re likely to take prompt action.
Create implementation intentions for each action.
For each action you've identified, set specific implementation intentions. These are if-then plans that detail when and where you will perform a particular action. For example, "If it is Monday morning, then I will analyze customer feedback from the previous week." This strategy helps automate task initiation by linking planned actions to specific situational cues.
Label fears that might be holding you back.
If you find yourself procrastinating on your tasks because of your fears, start by labeling them as they occur. For example, if you're feeling hesitant about working on the project, you might say to yourself, "I feel anxious about failing this project." Recognizing and verbalizing your emotions can diminish their intensity and help you manage them more effectively.
Reflect on the origins of your fears.
Ask yourself what's really behind your fear. Is it fear of failure, judgment, or something else? Understanding where your fear comes from can help you address it more directly. For example, if you’re giving a presentation but are too anxious because you fear judgment, you can remind yourself that others are not as focused as you think.
Challenge your fears with the 10/10/10 rule.
Consider the long-term impact of what you're afraid of by asking yourself: Will this matter in 10 minutes, 10 months, or 10 years? This perspective can help you realize that many fears are not as consequential as they seem in the moment. For example, if you're nervous about an interview, think about how it will impact your life in the long run, which might reduce the immediate anxiety.
Reframe negative self-labels into positive ones. Change how you label yourself. Instead of thinking, "I'm not good at this," try labeling yourself as a "learner" or "someone who is improving every day." This positive framing can shift your mindset and encourage you to engage rather than retreat.
Create an alter ego to boost your courage. Adopt a persona that embodies the qualities you aspire to have, such as confidence and bravery. This alter ego can be a fictional character or an amalgam of various traits you admire. Use this persona in situations where you feel fearful. For instance, if you're nervous about a negotiation, channel your inner "negotiation warrior" who is assertive and skilled in communication.
Use affirmations to reinforce your alter ego's qualities. Develop a set of affirmations that reflect the strengths of your alter ego. Regularly repeating phrases like "I am capable" or "I am fearless" can reinforce a positive self-image and diminish the power of fear over your actions.