Are You Procrastinating?
The Inner Marketer Day 2
PROCRASTINATION
To be a good marketer, it helps to put all the pieces of each “daily puzzle” on the table, when attempting to solve immediate problems, or organize daily tasks. Once everything is in place and you’re looking at your vision board and plotting your success strategy… there is one stinking thing you might find that you’re telling yourself. Later. I can get to this later. It’s called “procrastination”.
“I’m clear on my task, I know what I’ve got to do, and I’m all set… but first, let me check my email, my Facebook messages and while I’m at it, brew another cup of coffee.”
Does that sound familiar to you?
There are so many things you need to do in a day that sometimes it’s just easier to Procrastinate! If you find yourself doing this, pay attention.
The underlying cause of procrastination can sometimes be fear. It can be fear you are not even aware of. It can be locked away in the subconscious mind and triggered by a new opportunity. Maybe an opportunity for you comes along and you are not comfortable to get out of your comfort zone. Sticking to what we are familiar with is usually a common behavior, but getting out of your box can be a wee bit frightening. You may feel frightened to go to that uncharted journey where you have never been before. Much cozier to check emails and Facebook messages.
Did you ever notice that when you procrastinate, the thing you’re avoiding seems to tug at the back of your mind? When that happens you are “should-ing” on yourself. I “should” be doing this and I “shouldn’t” be doing that. This, in turn, can effect your self esteem. When that happens, you may find yourself lacking the confidence to even get back to the task that initially, you were just putting off for a brief spell.
Procrastination is a pretty big hindrance to achieving your goals. Often, it is the biggest one.
So, my friends, I have put together a 7-part Video Series on how to Breakthrough Procrastination. You can find it on the right hand side-bar of this blog. Just sign in beneath the video box, click the “Give Me Access” button and you will get my secrets for overcoming procrastination, and becoming a self-confident, high-achiever.
-Donna
Hi Donna,
For some people procrastination can be an indicator that what they have decided to do may not be what they truly want to do. In short, the desire for doing something may not be the highest on their priority list. I have found that when something is on TOP of the priority list, there is ACTION, leaving no room for procrastination.
Having said that, I agree that, for some people, Procrastination can be based on fear. It is awesome that you have provided this video series to help people breakthrough.
Keep up the good work, Donna!
Viola The Business Mum
Viola Tam recently posted..Stay at Home Mum – Why Network Marketing?
Hi Viola,
Yes, at times it is the fear factor that leads to procrastination. Sometimes people don’t believe that they can do something.
Whatever the case may be, that’s why I created this series to help people and give them a little “push” to take action.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online Entrepreneur
Donna, yes – procrastination is a very tough thing for many people to conquer. When I began my business “Re-awakening” a the end of 2006 I knew that in order to get my business and my personal life back on track I would have to be organized and stop procrastination in it tracks.
I started developing my Goal’s Sheet and made sure that I allowed for backslides and working on the “plan B” and “plan C” addendums. I also began my written marketing strategy; which you and the ladies of our Mastermind Group have discussed.
Your blog series here “Inner Marketer” is a great bit of information and advice. This should be read by all of those that are doing not only online business but also offline. It is beneficial to both formats.
Thank you Michael!
Yes, I agree that this pertains to not only an online business but an offline one as well.
Looks like you have a good plan in place. I always like to have a back door plan. There are many things that can go wrong, so I like to have that plan A, B and C! This way all my eggs are not in one basket.
Also, It is a form of self security for me. I can only depend on myself!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Success Quotes
Hi Donna, I think it’s fantastic that your offering a free video series on overcoming procrastination. Procrastination affects all of us at one time or another and many times it is fear like you brought out or wanting to be perfect at whatever it is that you’re avoiding doing. This fear and perfectionism keeps you trapped into a mindset that will hinder your success for sure. I will have to sign up and see your videos. Thanks so much!
Shelley Alexander recently posted..10 Ways to Enjoy a Happy Healthy 2013
Hi Shelley,
To me, procrastination is the number one killer when it comes to marketing.
It can have that underlying fear factor. And it up to each individual to find out the WHY.
I just don’t want to see anyone come into the marketplace and give up.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 4
Aaah you’re spot on there, girlfriend … procrastination is the most insidious corrosive of self esteem I know of.
And I know this to be true because it’s precisely what happened to me. I’d procrastinate > feel like crap > procrastinate more because I was down > feel even worse.
It’s not nearly as bad as it was, thanks to some major inner work and identity shifting … goddesses don’t procrastinate! … but I’m still going to sign up for your series to see if there’s something more I can do.
Totally adore you, btw!
Bliss-ings
the goddess known as Jacqui
the goddess known as Jacqui recently posted..How To Sell Your House, the Law Of Attraction Way (Part 1 … Using ‘The Secret’)
A goddess has no room for procrastination Jacqui!
A goddess is a hyper-sensitive person that feels more than the norm. So when procrastination comes your way, it does hit you hard my friend.
It does take major inner work, I know, I’ve done it myself.
Hope you like the series.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 4
Twitter: marquitaherald
January 5, 2013 at 12:28 pm #
Love the image Donna! As an author, the worst kind of procrastination is to put off writing. As you know, there are so many bits and pieces to building an online business that it\’s very easy to lose track of time doing the \”busy\” work. That\’s a problem for anyone, but any writer will tell you that the longer they go without writing, the bigger the struggle to get back on track. Which means a day of not writing, can easily turn into 3 days of writing crap until you find your groove again!
Agreed Marquita!
This is why I joined the 30 day blogging challenge. I want to improve my writing skills and get it going so I can finally complete the book I am working on.
Thanks for the tip!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 3
Donna about a week ago I was stuck did not know what I wanted to do first. I was feeling the pressure of what I wanted done before the end of the year and what I would like to have as my first of the year task of which would not work if some of the last week of 2012 stuff was not completed. So I stopped everything and became a couch pototoe for a full day. I was haunted by my to-do-list I found no peace until I went and forced myself to do something. So I went with the 12 Step chant. One day at a time, then it went to one moment at a time, one thing at time. I had to shoot for it all. Then it all worked out. Great post.
Lydia Brown recently posted..Are You Unplugged from the Important Things In Life
Awesome advice Lydia!
Taking it one moment at a time is a great way to get yourself out of being overwhelmed.
It reminds me of the old question “How do you eat an Elephant?” Answer: One bite at a time.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sure we can all resonate with that one!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 3
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
January 5, 2013 at 1:57 am #
Hey Donna,
Wonderful dear 🙂 You are doing it again. I’m so grateful for you advicing me on Procastination in last year and that made me really focus on what I do. Now I reall really love that and I gear up myself to do what I needs to do with listing goals and finishing out what’s unfinished 🙂
I really believe your words on it and let’s hope this gonna save lot of folks out there trapped in with this lethel monster 🙂
Have a Wonderful Weekend dear 🙂
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted..Monitor and Manage Multiple Social Media Accounts with HootSuite
Thank you Mayura,
I do see a huge change with you from last year to this one! You have grown in leaps and bounds. I just don’t know how you do it all?
You are a master teacher when it comes to teaching me all that technical stuff my brain cannot deal with lol
You teach it so well, that even I can follow.
Thanks so much,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 3
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
January 4, 2013 at 10:52 pm #
Hi Donna,
I almost missed this post!
This is a very good explanation of what procrastination is and what it does to us.
It’s so true that when we procrastinate we start “should-ing” as you say, and boy do we feel guilty about it too.
I’m not seeing he videos right now, but will look for them.
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..3 Rules of Thumb For Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions
Hi Syviane,
If there is anyone who understands procrastinating and “should-ing” it is YOU my friend. With your knowledge of NLP and other modalities I’m sure you have met many of your clients with this problem.
Whoever is reading these comments, I suggest you check out Sylviane, She is a master at helping people through difficulties.
Thanks my friend,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 3
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
January 4, 2013 at 10:34 pm #
Ah Donna, this is one of the main reasons people quit this industry.
It’s the fear of the unknown or possibly what will people think. That has been holding me back from moving forward to where I should be by now but it doesn’t cause me to put off the tasks I need to do right now. That’s only because those things aren’t on my task list. lol…
Procrastination is a huge killer though for a lot of things so I have no doubt your video series is really going to be helpful. Donna to the rescue.
Enjoy your challenge.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..2013 Here I Come
Hi Adrienne,
Procrastination is a huge killer that holds people back from their full potential.
I made this series because of that. So many people cannot meet their goals when they procrastinate, that it can turn them away from what they set out to do.
I just don’t want to see ANYONE, leave the game because they procrastinate!
Thanks so much for visiting,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 3
Hi Donna
Great post.
I can to the conclusion that when downline do not so things, it is not, as many commonly think, because they are lazy, or skipping work for other reasons, but because of lack of belief, fears, and other factors are in play. As you say, the person may not even know this themselves, they just got…. busy!
Thanks for making a video series…. ironically, that is one thing (making videos) I am procrastinating on!
I will have a look and i am sure will help me get past my discomfort….
And actually, being involved in a group that meets once a week, in a Google hangout, is almost training myself to be – ok – with being on that side of the camera!
Posted By Jon Barry
Jon Barry recently posted..Here Is A Great Post Idea… Freshly Stolen From Angus!
Hi Jon,
Videos can be difficult to get comfortable with. I know..I had to put myself through a 30 day challenge to do so.
I have no problem talking face to face with anyone, but when it comes to going in front of a camera, I was self-conscious….Is my hair OK? Do I need make up? What about the background? Oh my did I come up with so many “excuses” why I could not do a video.
But my “excuses” gave me that red flag not to procrastinate. To jump right into the pool and do a video a day, no matter what the heck I thought I looked like.
Now, I can jump in front of the camera at any time and just put my glasses on, and I’m good to go. That self-consciousness melted away.
If you are doing your Google Hangouts, use that as a reinforcement that you can be candid..you don’t have to bang out information. Go for it Jon!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 3
Procrastination has always been an issue for me. I think that part of me is actually afraid of what will happen if I’m Good at something. I know how ridiculous that sounds but 2013 is the year that I have put all that behind me.
NettieMae recently posted..Should You Get a Job or Start a Business?
It doesn’t sound ridiculous at all Nette!
This is a common issue. Being afraid that something Good is going to happen!
I would suggest you work on that issue because it may stop you in your path of growth. It can block you from all the amazing things life has to offer.
There are many ways to overcome this feeling. I urge you to stare it in the eye and say go away! Here is an affirmation for you. If you say this for 30 days your subconscious mind will unblock.
“I deserve” That’s it Nettie! Post it on your bathroom mirror, or your office. Somewhere where you can see it every day. Then say it aloud a few ties a day. I know it will work if you want it to!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2
Hi Donna
The absolute killer…procrastination!
The exact opposite of consistency which is what’s required for a thriving business.
Great post
Mark
Mark Walsh recently posted..Social Network Marketing is definately Not for You…. or Perhaps it is?
Yes Mark Procrastination is a Killer topic.
We have to apply consistency if we want to succeed. I found that Procrastination is a major bump in the road for marketers, that’s why I created the series…no sales hype, just several videos to lend a helping hand.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2
Twitter: nkeriakos
January 4, 2013 at 1:19 pm #
Hi Donna,
I think you are right by saying the underlying cause of procrastination can sometimes be fear. I agree with that as when I am scared of something, I tend to procrastinate to take action and sometimes even never get back to it.
It is also true that Procrastination is a big hindrance to achieving goals as it can become a real handicap in the professional and personal life. Procrastination really does steal time, motivation and the chance to take up new opportunities.
Thanks for sharing this post with us Donna. It is really a very important topic as it is very critical to overcome procrastination.
Be Blessed,
Neamat
Thank you Neamat!
Procrastination is a big hindrance to achieving goals. That’s why I set up the seven videos for people to opt into.
As an internet marketer, I enjoy taking care of the “Inner” Internet marketer. Things that somehow stop people from getting their tasks done.
Also helping folks to create a mindset of awareness. We need to be focused and not let any thing stand in our way.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2
Hi Donna,
I was going to procrastinate and not opt-in…haha..just kidding. I’ve gone through many phases of the “procrastination issue.” Yes I have to deal with it but I have elevated my awareness to know when and why it strikes. I have set up a task and timing system to escape it’s ugly head.
I will opt-in a check out your generous offer of your video series. It sounds great and I’ll be happy to give you feedback. Excellent idea Donna!
Raena Lynn
Ha Ha Raena!
I love the procrastination jokes! I know you well, and there is one thing about you my dear is that you do not procrastinate. You are a fireball dealing with all the tasks you do.
Thanks so much for your loyal comments, I do appreciate that.
And BTW You are doing so great just in the first few days of this year…I strongly believe all the efforts you have put in 2012 are paying off already. Yippeeeee
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2
Twitter: simpblognetwork
January 4, 2013 at 10:17 am #
Hey Donna,
I don’t think I procrastinate anymore (whoopiedoo) because I have found my passion and want to make it a success. But I do procrastinate about the house and housework and stuff like that.
My problem is that there is just so much to do and I sometimes forget why I am doing something lol. I go to Facebook to look something up and then get distracted before realizing why I was there in the first place.
Thanks for sharing,
Beth:)
Beth Hewitt recently posted..The Simple Blogging Network Best Blog Sites Rundown!
Hey Beth,
Facebook can be a place where it sucks you in! Try to discipline yourself to visiting it 3 to 4 times a day for only 10 to 15 minutes per day. You have to time yourself on that Social Platform. I know, been there, done that.
As far as cleaning the house? Girl it is time for a cleaning service.
For us, being owners of our own business, we do have to lighten our load and start hiring people. With 3 dogs, I had to hire a dog walker. I was hesitant because they are my babies, but they now look forward every day for their friend to come and give them the exercise they need.
For me cleaning the house is something I ignore and I used to be a neat freak. I did have a cleaning person come in, but being the germ-o-phobe that I am. I cleaned it again. I just didn’t know if she used the same sponge from one place to another. I’m working on that one lol.
Thanks for visiting
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2
Boy can I relate to this post. Thank you, Donna.
One of my methods of procrastination is to “make busy”, and pretend that I am too busy to get everything done. For example, last night I spent 2 hours tweaking my website when I could have been writing two or three new blog posts. Hmmm. I think I need you video series.
Thanks,
David H. Paul
David H. Paul recently posted..Playing Small Does Not Serve the World
Your too funny David!
Jump into the series…there are 7 videos that won’t take too much of your time, I assure you.
Knowing you well, you will catch on quickly. It is a give away that I deemed so important for my readers because I don’t want to see anyone give up!
The WHY of my entering this marketplace was to help my existing clients to find their passions and help them obtain the financial freedom they well deserve.
So far some of them took the leap and put their wonderful talents into their own business on the internet.
They stopped procrastinating their dreams and made it a reality.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2
I am guilty of procrastination but working on it. Its very easy to do and thanks for sharing that we should not be “should-ing”. That is definitely changing this year.
Thank you
Yetunde recently posted..Getting Too Noisy In The Market? Block It Out!!!!!!
Hi Yetunde
I always tell people “stop shoulding on yourself!” Should is one word I would love to take out of the dictionary! It is so harmful when we think that.
To me should is a stop sign. It stops one in their tracks and leads to defeat.
Thank you for visiting,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2
Donna, that is extremely generous of you, to offer a course like that! Last year, I paid over $200 for a course to help me get over fear and procrastination. Mind you, it did work, but you are just GIVING it away. I highly recommend Donna’s course, take advantage of it and move forward with your business!
Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..How Blog Shows up as a menu item with all posts
Thank you Julieanne!
Yes, I’m giving it away because paying it forward is the best way to engage people. I had that issue a while back and learned the roots of my procrastination. I did pay lots of money to go through that learning curve and I just wanted to share it with others.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2
Hey Donna,
I think a lot of people procrastinate or should I say LOTS of people procrastinate. I have found that it’s really a different mindset you need to have with the whole Internet marketing thing. Yeah, checking Facebook and just talking or playing games or something is all fine. When it’s time to work I shut off the emails, all distractions, and just have a list of things I set out to accomplish for that day. It’s a mindset I have used at the gym so much over the years. I am going to run and complete this. There is no my leg hurts, I’m tired, or I’ll just rest today. That mindset carries over to my business or would like to think it does.
I don’t know how many times I have talked to someone to help them with something but they never put it into action. Everything I do I go all out and 9 times out of 10 it pays off.
Garen recently posted..How to Properly Monetize Your YouTube Video?
That is awesome Garen!
It is a “mindset” we have to develop. Unfortunately, there are so many people that do procrastinate and accept it.
I guess I’m a born fighter…I refuse to accept anything that stands in my way.
I’m not perfect and when I find myself procrastinating, I get that red flag and dig deep and ask why…then I go into action mode
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Inner Marketer Day 2