Why Do You Procrastinate?
One of the keys to feeling energized about life is to make continuous progress toward the fulfillment of your dreams. According to a recent Harris Interactive Survey, less than one in five people begin their day with a plan. And without some guidelines, we tend to get caught up in the "crisis-of-the-moment." As a result, by the end of the day, we still didn't get to that "important" project or phone call. It's no wonder we feel frustrated.
This feeling of frustration contributes to our innate ability to procrastinate – to put off doing the tasks and making the life-altering decisions that are necessary for achieving any worthwhile goal.
In their book "Get Off the Fence," Rhoda and Jeffrey Makoff have the following advice for anyone in this position:
- Start by figuring out exactly what the decision is that you need to make. Sometimes, we aren't sure exactly what it is
- Figure out which aspects of making that decision you are afraid of. "We all gravitate – mentally and physically – toward what feels good and away from unpleasantness, pain, and uncertainty," The Makoffs say.
- Break into smaller parts the factors that you fear will cause unpleasantness or pain. Figure out how you can overcome each of those smaller concerns.
- Uncertainty is a factor in procrastination. Facing – and admitting to – whatever it is that makes you feel anxious about making your decision can sometimes alleviate the angst.
- Get advice from the people you can trust to give you good advice. You already know – in your heart – who those people are.
- Accept the fact that making the decision may cause you some emotional stress. Accept the stress.
- Imagine yourself failing. Make peace with that possibility. Think: "Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."
- Start taking action immediately, even if all you can manage are the smallest steps.
Not sure what kind of action to take? I've got an idea for you …
If you've been procrastinating about getting your copywriting career going … if you're still promising yourself that you'll set aside some time to complete AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting this month … ATS has a new series of programs that are designed to help you achieve your goal.
I'm talking about ATS Targeted Learning Programs. Through ATS, you'll be able to attend an actual copywriting "academy," where you'll learn directly from an ATS-certified teacher who will move at your pace, answer your questions, and check your comprehension with exercises. You'll study and master every aspect of direct response copywriting one component at a time … from powerful headlines … to engaging leads … to hypnotic subheads and transitions – right down to the mechanics of a successful order device, and more.
By tackling one topic at a time, you'll be able to truly understand it and thoroughly develop your own skills at your own pace – while getting all the personal guidance you need.
These copywriting programs are based on the secrets and techniques that AWAI master copywriters have been teaching – along with secrets, tips, and techniques culled from some of the most successful and respected copywriters in the business.
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