The "P" Word

You guessed it, procrastination! Procrastination by definition is to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done. It also means to put off intentionally and habitually. The Wikipedia states that procrastination is the deferment or avoidance of an action or task. "For the person procrastinating this may result in stress, a sense of guilt, the loss of productivity, the creation of crisis, and the disapproval of others for not fulfilling one's responsibilities or commitments."

Why do we procrastinate? What resolution, goal, or dream did we set the beginning of the year, last year, or years gone by that is still yet to be fulfilled because of procrastination. I believe we procrastinate because we make excuses for not doing something. We procrastinate so we do not have to change since it takes effort to change things. We procrastinate for the very fact that effort itself requires energy, time, planning and we already live very busy lives. We also procrastinate because there is little to no motivation.

First, we must have vision. If we do not have vision or a dream we will go nowhere. We will remain stuck in the same daily routine day in and day out. Nobody can change that for you except for yourself. Get a vision for your life. Get a vision for bettering your life. Get a dream for living the life you desire. Second, stop making excuses for why you cannot have what you are dreaming of. Stop saying you do not have time or the finances. Look at your life and lifestyle and begin making the necessary changes to move you in the direction of having more time and finances. We all have needs, but a lot of things we have are "wants". Third, you must get a new attitude. It takes hard work, sweat, and tears to get what you want. It will not just fall on your lap one day. You have to go out and get it. You have to work for it. Lastly, you must be motivated in order to overcome procrastination with determination. The dream or goal may not be enough to motivate you, although it is a start. What affect will the dream or goal have on others when it is achieved? How might working toward the dream impact your life? Other motivations include people and situations. Allowing a negative situation or a negative speaking person to push you forward rather than discourage you can be good motivation.

I have found that most people usually need someone to walk the journey with them. We cannot nor should we try to do things alone. Have you ever thought of how dependent we are upon one another in order to accomplish our dreams? We are dependent on people in the present, past, and future. People in the past, whether it was our parents, grandparents, or others had to pave the way to open doors we are walking through today. The same is true in the present and the future. The fact is we need each other and we need to get used to it and embrace it. Some may also need the added benefit and motivation of a life coach who can help you stay on track to achieving your goals and dreams. You can visit http://www.morphcoaching.com/ for information about hiring a coach

Don't give up! Put the necessary measures in place to stay focused and motivated. Get procrastination out of your vocabulary and life and start accomplishing your dreams. What specific action will you take tomorrow to begin moving in the direction of fulfilling your dream?

The Easy Part

Have you ever noticed that the easy part to making changes in your life is the decision? Deciding to do something is the easy part. Putting that decision to action is a little tougher. Now, I am not saying it is impossible, but it is tougher. For example, you may know that exercise is good for you and so you make the decision to start exercising, but actually setting the time to start and begin exercising is another story. If only we could just make the decision and since we made the decision; we would automatically do what we decided. However, life does not work that way. We must make the decision and act on that decision. We may have a desire to achieve something, but until we put action to that desire; it will remain just that, a desire. This is why many people find themselves in ruts or at a stand still in certain areas of their life. They think because they have passion, desire, drive, heart, etc. they will just jump right in and accomplish what they decide, but there is more to it. You must act on your passion, desire, drive, heart, etc. I can decide to read a certain book, but until I pick up the book and begin to read it my decision is useless. I can decide to put applications in for a new job, but until I go out to possible job opportunities and fill out applications; nothing is going to happen. Do not get me wrong, making a decision is good. Having vision and dreaming dreams are good, but that is only the starting block. There is still a race to run if you want to be successful. The decision is the easy part; acting on that decision can be challenging, but it is very doable. Next time you make a decision to do something, set a date to begin or have it completed. Do not procrastinate or you might find it being one of your 2008 New Year's resolutions.

Life coaches help many people with this very issue. Coaching helps people pinpoint their goals, set practical steps to achieve them, and designate a time to have it completed. However, the biggest advantage to coaching is healthy accountability. Most people do not have accountability in their lives. A good push from a coach may be just what you need. If you would like more information on coaching for your professional or personal life, you can visit www.morphcoaching.com or call 239.438.8494.

Improve Your Life In 2007 - Invest In YOU

Many people around the world are making new year's resolutions. Some desire to drop a few pounds, some want to get a promotion, some plan on starting a new career, some wish to make more money, some plan to be a better person overall, and the list goes on and on. Resolutions are good, but the problem is very few people follow through on them. Is it because they were not serious about what they stated they would like to accomplish in the new year? Not necessarily so. Was the resolution just to big a goal to achieve? This could be part of the problem. However, the biggest setback I have seen as I have counseled and coached people is that most people do not have someone to hold them accountable to their resolutions. Consequently, they can start off on the right foot pursuing what they want to accomplish, but as soon as opposition comes; it's quiting time. They do not have someone who will push them to their fullest potential and help them overcome the temporary opposition. Everyone knows change is not easy; this is why many people hate change. If change was easy, then everyone would do it. However, change is not easy; it usually rubs us the wrong way. But, in order to accomplish our goals, fulfill our passions, or reach our dreams it's going to take change. Change in our mindset, change in the way we see ourselves, change in our lifestyle, change of eating habits, change of behavior and attitude, etc. There again, most people I believe desire to change and set really good new year's resolutions, but since they lack accountability; they end up laying aside the resolution. That resolution then becomes next year's resolution and then next year's and so on. My suggestion is to find a family member or close friend that you can count on to help you fulfill your good intentions. If you do not have someone who can step into that role, you may consider hiring a life coach. Don't allow another year to go by without achieving those goals you really want to reach. This is the year, this is the time; live your best life today. Invest in yourself this year!

What Can You and Your Life Coach Work On?

Many people still do not know what a life coach does or even what life coaching is. To answer that question, let's ask another question. What can you and your life coach work on? The simple answer is, just about anything. A life coach is not usually an expert in a specific field. Life coaches are change experts. Some coaches do define their coaching to a specific niche and usually this is because they have a passion for that specific area. Maybe you have heard of business coaches, relationship coaches, family coaches, life transition coaches, leadership coaches, and the list goes on. These and others are simply specified niches that a coach may choose. However, a life coach is not an expert in any of these areas. A life coach is not an expert, because he/she does not need to be an expert in any area. A life coach is not an advice-giver; he/she is a listener. A life coach believes in people and believes that people know their own lives better than anyone else. A life coach knows that a "one size fits all" for all people does not exist. Every person is different and their are so many variables that come into play that can make individuals so different. You and your life coach can work on just about anything, because you are the expert of your life. You know your lifestyle, family, profession, marriage, behavior, attitudes, children, goals, habits, and dreams better than anyone else. A life coach can help you to improve your life quicker than you would if you go at it by yourself. A life coach also pushes you to go for the maximum, instead of the bare minimum. Again, a life coach is not an advice-giver, so what is a life coach's method of choice? It is the art of listening and asking. Your life coach believes in you and believes you already know the answer. He/she must simply draw it out of you using good listening skills and asking powerful questions. So, what can you and your life coach work on together? The simple answer, anything!

No Control Of

One thing we must remind ourselves of is that we cannot change all things and we most definitely cannot change people. Sometimes we dispense energy trying to change people, but the fact of the matter is we can only change ourselves. People around us can only change themselves. There is no use in getting aggravated and frustrated about how much you wish someone would change their behavior, attitude, or how they do things. You cannot make them change; they will change whatever and whenever they want to change. You might as well change how you act or react to people you would like to change, because if you don't, you will get upset about it every time. You and I have absolutely no control of other people. Concentrate on your own life instead of wasting energy trying to change things and people you have no control of.

Setting Goals

In order to properly set goals we must keep a few things in mind. Many times people do not achieve the goals they set simply because they are not clearly defined. Next time you set a goal, keep these five steps in mind. First, make sure the goal is specific to the point that you can describe it to people. Second, it needs to be measurable. You need to be able to know you have achieved it. Next, it must be attainable; a goal is not attainable if someone or something controls the outcome of it. We cannot change people and there are certain things in life we cannot change either. Next, it must be relevant; it must be something that compliments your beliefs and values. The goal must be relevant to your lifestyle. Lastly, the goal must be time specific. In order to properly set a goal, it must have a date attached to it. This is what you call a S.M.A.R.T. goal.

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time specific

A Life Coach

A life coach helps others find focus and direction for their lives and careers. A life coach can help you change a destructive habit into a healthy one, set goals and achieve them, develop new skills, to dream big, etc. A life coach is someone who will give you undivided attention and ask you powerful questions to help you get from where you are presently to where you desire to be. A life coach is your greatest cheerleader, encourager, and one who will hold you accountable to action steps you decide to take to reach your destination.