Procrastination, inaction, lack of confidence or lack of direction. Call it what you will but not only is procrastination the thief of time, it is also the enemy within!
Sadly, I see it a lot and not just in Osteobiz circles either. It seems to be the trap that small business owners can easily fall into. And it is as debilitating to business as influenza is to the body. There is a fug in the head, a general ache in the limbs and utter inertia.
Procrastination is essentially a negative emotion, sitting there like a cork in a bottle and stopping us from getting to the good stuff! Because on the other side of procrastination there is success, affluence, happiness and freedom.
But why can’t we get past procrastination?
Probably fear is linked to this as, absurd as it sounds, we can sometimes fear the very thing that we believe we want! Equally, procrastination is strongly linked to not having a firm plan. It is because we are not really clear on what we want or why we want it or even how to get it.
Getting clear on our goals is fundamental to everything in life but particularly in business. Ricocheting through life in response to other people’s decisions and actions is unlikely to result in a happy ending.
So how do we resolve this?
Several years ago I had the idea to start Business Coaching for Osteopaths. To get going from a standing start, to reach out to a very small niche market and to make a successful business from it was not the easiest task I have ever set myself! I created a Vision Board to help me get a sense of purpose. And what evolved through the images I chopped out of magazines, was that my one true goal was to reach Osteopaths the world over and so remove the time zone barrier. In the beginning I didn’t know the exact steps I needed to take but I fixed my gaze on that one result.
Ultimately I have invested in fabulous automated systems to make it easier for global Osteopaths to get the help they need to increase their patient lists and treat more people in pain. Three years ago two main systems I use now had not even been invented. But fortune favours the brave and synchronicity has led me to people, places and opportunities which have eased me along to reach my goals.
My original Vision Board had a striking image of a globe and I am very proud to say that I now have hundreds of Clients the world over. Indeed I am currently talking to some key people too about reaching even more Osteopaths who want to build a stronger Osteobiz.
If I had allowed procrastination to get in the way, I would still be dithering about, playing small and only helping people in the London area!
How to beat procrastination
A positive mindset is critical to running a successful Osteobiz. This is something I cover in my online courses because it is a fundamental building block. A ‘can do’ attitude creates energy and focus.
I believe that the first step is to sit with yourself for a while and consider what it is that you want to achieve. Having no plan, as I’ve already said is the best way of allowing procrastination to set in. I have tremendous success with creating Vision Boards as a way of getting language out of the way and finding out what we truly want AND what we don’t!
Once you can SEE what it is that you truly want to create and once you SEE your path and the goals you want to aspire to it becomes a much easier journey. As my Psychologist friend says, “Just take the next indicated step!”
It becomes easier to decide what needs to be done next. It is then a set of simple steps towards what you have envisioned as your ultimate life.
Fix on it and do not deviate. When other opportunities present themselves take a look at your Vision Board and ask yourself this:
“Will this take me closer to my dreams or further away?”
And in that moment you will know whether this is a bright shiny object moment which will hinder your progress or an opportunity to fly. Decisions become easier to make and progress becomes faster.
Then in your work life, you can plan out the key things that you need to be doing to succeed. Start taking daily steps towards that. Take time out of your week and make it sacrosanct. This time is when you will work ON your business and not just IN it. Effective marketing is one key area that will grow your business and it must be highly targeted and strategic.
Don’t let minutiae get in your way.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Don’t get it perfect; get it done!
Pontificating about the less important stuff makes us busy fools.
That email needs to go out TODAY!
That blog needs to be written and published TODAY!
Make a decision, choose and implement TODAY!
Procrastination prevents you from getting things done which broadcasts your vital services to your community. And as I always say, if you’re not getting the word out about Osteopathic treatment to your neighbours in pain, you are doing them a disservice.
And I am not happy about that!
Knowing where you are going takes the guesswork out of creating the Osteobiz and the success that is your treasure and your life’s work.
Now let’s crack on!
