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Overcoming Procrastination with Dr. Neil Fiore
The first “Aha” moment I had in reading Dr. Neil Fiore’s “The Now Habit” was that procrastination is an emotional issue. What makes things worse, is that procrasination compounds itself because it also causes anxiety, frustration, stress, anger and feelings of helplessness. So we get into a never ending loop of not doing what we want to be doing and then feeling bad about, which makes it hard to start doing.
How do we put a stop to all of this?
I wanted you to hear the answer to this important question from THE Expert on the subject, Neil Fiore.
Neil is a widely acknowledged psychologist, lecturer, and author in the field of optimal performance and personal productivity. His bestselling book “The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination” has given me some excellent insight into the causes of procrastination - and the cures.
In studying Neil’s work, I learned a lot about myself and have already practiced many of the tools with my clients. I now know why I used to put off certain things, until the pressure was strong enough for me to do something about it.
What I really appreciate about Neil’s approach is that he doesn’t see the cause of procrastination as a defect in your character. Neil’s approach is positive and allows you to not have to be so hard on yourself. Once you understand WHY your procrastinating on certain things you increase your ability to actually DO something about it.
I’m looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Neil Fiore.
Resources
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Please add a comment below sharing one or two main lessons that you can bring into your life or business from the teleseminar. This will serve two purposes:
- This will solidify your commitment to take action
- You will help others learn from you
Example –> xxxx is what I learned and xxxx is how my life will be different as a result.
I’m looking forward to seeing and responding to all of your comments…
October 30th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Interesting that he eventually gets to eliminating multi-tasking.
I am going to try the exercise today. I am so stuck. And, I’m excited about it. Maybe it will work!!!
Vernel
October 30th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I have always hated to do lists and they feel like soul thieves to me. I have been starting and stopping a writing project that is very emotionally rewarding to me and I long to invest more time in. The awareness of self worth issues and procrastination and the breathing and bringing the mind into the now moment were cathartic for me. In those few minutes I became centered and very very excited about continuing my hero’s adventures with no internal resistance only fun.
As I write this I realize that my advice to my now teenage daughter when facing hours of homework was to just do 20 minutes, set the timer and then have some ice cream. When the timer would go off invariably she would say give me another 30 and then I will be ready for ice cream.
Sweet!
October 30th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I’ve committed to writing an article for publication next fall. I just found out that I can get it published earlier, if I finish it by Dec. 1, rather than Feb. 1. The offer was a great one, but overwhelming for me. As a result of this call, I am going to agree to the earlier date because now I know I can start today and finish on time. Thank you Dr. Fiore!!!
October 30th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Bill, just a general comment. I haven’t had time to comment after each session, but wanted you to know how appreciative I am for this series. Each of your guests has provided me with one or more actions that are making me more productive and less stressed. Thank you so much for this series!
October 30th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
When can I find a half hour to do the next thing.
Focus on starting
Choose to what to do in 3D time.
For appointments, write a arrive and leave time
It takes 1200 to 1500 hrs to write a book.
Ambivalence wakes me up to choose.
I’m going to choose to start work in half hour increments and allow myself to get excited about it!
October 30th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Bill,
I thoroughly enjoyed Neil’s session today! I have been studying the impact of emotional fear for almost three years. And although I have learned some life-changing skills, I was delighted to learn several new key insights and strategies around the role fear plays in procrastination.
One of the things I committed to doing NOW was coming here to share my feedback on your blog! Bravo Bill! Keep the great content coming!
Amy Miyamoto
@LotusAmy on Twitter
October 30th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Dr. Fiore’s description of the house with National Geographic magazines struck very close to home. That described my father’s house… four bedrooms with narrow pathways from room to room and some rooms blocked completed. He had not only a giant collection of National Geographic’s, but recipies, collectibles, books, magazines, etc., all in giant piles saved for some future use that never came. As a result, he didn’t do some of the important things that he really wanted to do.
I do have that same tendency to want to do too many projects and save too much information. This seminar is a great reminder about not only continuing to prioritize, but also to saying “no” to some things, knowing that I can’t do them all, and not letting projects and things pile up. I’m committed to cleaning up some of the piles and letting go of some projects.
October 30th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I commit to getting up 15-30 minutes earlier every day and “choosing to start” on my personal project before leaving the house. And at work, I will “choose to start” one one task of organization before checking (I mean handling :))my email. Each time I choose to start, I will begin with deep beathing and observation of my thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. I’ll also take a moment to remind myself that I am not my work/output. Thank you!
October 30th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
It’s interesting to realize that the things I’m procrastinating on the most are the things that would bring the most enjoyment to my life. The realization that my self-worth does not depend on doing something perfectly is very helpful.
I’m committing to taking an hour tonight to do some visualization about what I want in a partner. I’ve been dating without being entirely clear about what I’m looking for. It will feel good to put this activity high on my priorities.
Thanks for the class.
October 30th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Neil was the best speaker so far–really insightful. I got his tape 20 years ago–but refreshing to hear how relevant it still is today.
I think I need to hear this again–so I’m going to check back into his site and his products. I think someone stole the tape.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
It’s taken me a little while to post this comment… I’m growing and changing one step at a time!
I appreciate the way Neil framed getting things done as a way to help out your future self. What can I do NOW to help out the tomorrow me? It’s a very compassionate way out of procrastination. Thank-you!
I am committing to spending 20 minutes before breakfast on clearing my desk and prioritizing the day’s projects.