When faced with different activities, people’s brains look for excuses to slow down the time to start. In short, it procrastinates.
In many occasions we only have to do one thing to be able to realize and start our projects, future plans or illusions. It is only necessary to start, but why is it usually so difficult?
Techniques to avoid procrastination
- “Just a few minutes”: this technique was proposed by a Russian psychology specialist, Ms. Zeigarnik. It is based on the brain activation experienced by the nervous system when starting an activity, similar to anxiety, which ends the moment we finish our task.
Apparently, the brain does not feel good about leaving things half done and our mind feels relieved when we finish a project.
- “Doublethink technique”: another alternative is the one studied at the University of Pennsylvania. The technique consists of being a little pessimistic and optimistic at the same time.
In order to carry out this method, we must take a piece of paper and write down two clear benefits that we will achieve at the end of the project, while indicating two obstacles that we may encounter along the way.
From this formula, the positive aspects will have a greater impact. If we only think about the negative or positive aspects, we will not achieve the desired success. The formula is based on achieving a balance that motivates us to perform the task.
For more information about these or other techniques related to coaching, contact Dr. Sandra Farrera of the BCN Psychology Center.