Procrastination: my “mathematical” formula for beating it

So I’ve bitten the bullet and taking up the huge challenge of training for a 5k run for charity, in memory of 2 o fmy grandparents who died too early from Cancer.

This means a great deal to me, but yet… instead of starting my training routine, I am sat here googling the science  behind procrastination. Crafty bit of procrastination-I know!

But how ridiculous as well!!!

The obvious advice that gets thrown at you is:

JUST DO IT

Gaaaaar! Oh yeah… it’s that easy! That saying has to be up there with the most annoying and pointless phrases I have ever heard. Don’t get me wrong, I agree with you… the solution to me starting running is, well, to start running.  And in an ideal world, I would just put my running shoes on, walk out the door and get on with it.

But when I imagine it, everything somehow kind of goes hazy. Do you know what I mean? And then something happens, and a week later the running shoes are still dusty- and the dream of overcoming all odds (oh like being Size 18, addicted to food, can only run 1 minute without stopping and only 5 weeks left to train) is very much distant in fairytale land.

So in my classic style, when I get annoyed with myself or I can’t figure something out, I decided to have a bit of a hard, cold analysis into what is going on in that brain of mine, and why I can’t get off my bum!

And within seconds, up came an old friend/enemy that keeps on creeping back up on me in unawares:

Fear of failure!!

The fact of the matter is, I care so much about this. I’ve put a whole lot of pressure on myself to do this run well. I care too much about how I perform, that I am worried about facing the truth that, well, I am seriously out of shape and this is going to be hard.

Usually, my approach to life has always been “just do it”, “suck it up” and “no pain no gain”. I hate people who complain about their life and do nothing about it.

So why is it that:

MOTIVATION + CARING DOES NOT = PRODUCTIVITY?

And then the penny dropped…

The formula

A bit weird, but I have thought about this like a maths formula… a simple one, but it helps- so bare with me, this could be revolutionary (haha!).

My motivation= to succeed

Success= ability to run 5k

Ability to run 5k= training

training= putting running shoes on + going out the front door + walk a bit + beginning to jog + jog a bit longer + learn how to jog 5k

SO

SUCCESS= putting runing shoes on + going out the front door + walk a bit + begin to jog + jog a bit longer + learn how to jog 5k + be able to do the 5k race on the day

Check out that “maths”. Sheldon Cooper eat your heart out!

OK: now I see what’s going on. In my head, when I’m trying to put my trainers on and get out the door, this is happening in my mind…

SUCCESS=  be able to do the 5k race on the day… WRONG! XXXXXXX

So automatically, I’m a failure. But that’s so wrong. Because success is the entire journey! According to this logic, all I have to do is try. It’s not the end goal that counts, it’s the journey.

SO here’s today’s life hack: 

Work out what it takes for your own success (work out your formula for what you want to achieve) and then work out the details.

Then start with very small steps. Don’t try and do x + y + z. Just start with x, even if it is as simple as putting your shoes on.

So today, all I have to do is put my shoes on to succeed. That’s all I have to do to feel that I have succeeded. I know it sounds stupid, but that would be progress and get me closer to completing the equation!

So, I’m about to go and put my trainers on, and walk out the door. That’s all I have to do- but I have to do it every day of this week! Like my Facebook page for updates on whether this works.

Please share this if you know some-one who is trying to achieve a big dream or overcome a challenge such as doing exams right now, or training for a marathon or looking for a job. :) And wish them god luck.

Update: I finally made it! And actually ran for 3 whole mins :D more updates and tips will come- make sure you follow.