It’s something that may not seem like a big deal all of the time—and in some cases it may not be—but think about the habit of putting things off when you know you shouldn’t.
For example: you have a deadline in two days. You know you need to put in extra hours in order to get it done on time, but … ‘I can always just do it tomorrow.’ Or any of the infinite reasons we come up with that basically boil down to “I don’t ‘feel’ like it.”
We can’t ignore how we feel, but should how we feel always dictate whether or not we take action, when we need to take it?
No evidence needed but common experience. When you fail to take action when you knew you should have, how do you feel? You feel worse, not even considering the actual consequences. There are enough things out there that can make us feel bad. There’s no reason for us to do this to ourselves.
It’s very easy to give in to feelings. Heck, there are plenty of times when we should, but we’re not slaves to them either. We just need to keep in mind that feelings come from thoughts, and we have the power to change our thoughts whenever we want. Change your thoughts, change the way you feel.
Instead of focusing on “I don’t feel like it,” focus on why you should get it done … now. Think about how good you’ll feel once it’s finished, and how it can free you up to do other things you want or need to do, and how proud you’ll be of yourself for acting in spite of not “feeling” like it. You shouldn’t deny yourself these little victories that mean something, yes?
The Law of Momentum states, “A body at rest tends to remain at rest while a body in motion tends to remain in motion.” So what?
So get into motion! Don’t think, just do it! Train yourself to get going even if you don’t “feel” like it, like that feeling you get jumping out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off. You may be a little groggy at first, but after a few minutes, you’re up and at it. Moods change quickly once you’re in motion. It’s biological and psychological.
If you’re still having a hard time getting over that hump, what are you thinking that makes you not “feel” like it? It’s going to be too hard? Too painful to complete? Take more time than you want it to?
Even if any of that is remotely true—which it usually isn’t because we tend to make things out to be worse than they really are when we’re stressed—no one’s helping themselves with disaffirming thoughts. Instead of “I don’t want to do this,” how about “I’m going to treat myself when I’m done.” Positive associations instead of negative. You can make the best of it or the worst of it. We choose. It’s as simple as that.
Take one step at a time until the Law of Momentum kicks in. By then, you’ll forget that you didn’t “feel” like it, and you’ll be well on your way to finishing … and feeling great about it.
No matter how much you hate it....ACT!
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