Many qualities define experts. One is their ability to out-produce amateurs. I love a statement by author James Michener, during a period in which he consistently wrote 7,000 words per day. He described this act as, 'an almost indecent display of industry.' 

But what if terminal hesitation sets in? Is there a way to overcome your own procrastination and do the thing you know you need to do, in order to build the career you want to build?

Here's an answer from neuroscience. In a series of lectures called 'Outsmart Yourself,' Professor Peter M. Vishton advises: 'Do nothing for twenty minutes. Just think about your project.' 

He goes on to elaborate: Most procrastination is actually characterised by feverish amounts of activity. But it's the wrong activity. We clean, we dust, we straighten, we faff. And all of this expends valuable energy while also allowing our sub-conscious mind to build up a sense of fear of the thing we are avoiding. 

So don't. Rather sit for twenty minutes, doing nothing actively, but allowing yourself to start thinking about your project. Just thinking about it. Eventually, you will see an 'easy route in;' a simple thing you can do that will get you started. When that happens, begin. 

But certainly do not allow yourself to do anything else while you prepare. Sit and dream about the project, but don't start dusting. 

Overcome procrastination, and you can out-produce your contemporaries. Become a leading producer, and you could own your industry. 

 

Douglas Kruger is a multiple award-winning professional speaker, focusing on innovation, agile culture and expert positioning. Books like his, ‘They’re Your Rules, Break Them!’ are bestsellers, informing his conference speeches for leadership audiences. Book him as the motivational speaker for your next conference or event at www.douglaskruger.com