STUCK IN A PROCRASTINATION LOOP? 4 TIPS TO BREAK THE CYCLE.
We are in wedding season here in Australia and while I have drastically reduced the amount of weddings I'm shooting each season (from 36 to 16), I still feel the pressure of the season.
I want to over deliver to my clients, edit and send off their galleries within the promised timeline of 8 weeks (my ideal is 4-week delivery time) and be well rested before my next wedding so I can put my heart and soul into it. But I have also been working on my education business and my first online course behind-the-scenes.
My thoughts on creating my first online course
It is scary doing something for the first time. It reminds me of the early days of starting my wedding photography business. The nerves, the excitement, the buzz, the anticipation, the self-doubt, the hours of goal setting, planning and hard-work. I know it will pay off but in these beginning stages you wonder what it's all for, whether it'll all be worth it.
If you're at this stage in your business, I want to let you know that I hear you and don't worry. The hard-work will pay off.
If you want a little push to get out of your comfort zone listen to this podcast episode.
My thoughts on in-action and procrastination
Another phenomena that has occurred while trying to work on my course is procrastination. I find myself sitting in front of my computer with a list of tasks I have to do to move the course forward but I am constantly finding an excuse, problem or blocker as to why I can't take action. For example:
I don't have the tech skills to set-up my camera for filming video.
I need more equipment so it can look good.
I need to write slides before I can film anything.
I can't film today because my toddler is sleeping in the other room and I will wake him up.
I need to re-watch, re-listen, re-read all of my resources on how to create an online before I start so I am fully prepared.
My excuses are endless…
Even writing this blog post is a form of happy procrastination. I tell myself that writing this is a great way to connect with you on a deeper level, to let you know what's going on in my head. And while that is probably true, I know deep down I'm avoiding doing the thing that will really move the needle - which is actually sitting down and filming my course.
So this is my pledge to you. I will stop with my excuses. I will set out my goals, plan and start taking action.
If you are in the same boat as I am, I ask that you share the same pledge with me. Perhaps you're procrastinating on creating your new pricing guide or working on your website copy. Together let's tick off our to-do lists.
Here are my three tips on how we can combat procrastination:
(A reminder for myself as much as anyone else)
Ask yourself “What will move the needle today?”. This question gets you refocused on what will actually help your business move forward.
Schedule time each work day to get into deep-work/a flow state. For me it's 10am-1pm as I am most productive and focused in the morning. By the afternoon, my mind is getting weary. Choose the time when you're most focused. This time is open for me to work on the most important work and get into creation mode without distractions.
Turn off your phone and put it in a drawer in another room.
Check emails in the afternoon. Schedule this into your calendar. I have it scheduled for 3:30-4:30pm. I still find it hard not to check emails first thing in the morning - what if the most dream enquiry comes through?! - but I have to remind myself that when I do, it starts off the day reactiverather than proactive.
I hope those tips help you.
Lei x
PS. I have created a mini masterclass on how to design albums as a little opener for my online course which is all about designing, selling and marketing albums with confidence for profit. If you are interested in watching click here.
