Breaking Free from Procrastination
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone To Finish What You’ve Started
Pushing myself beyond my comfort zone sometimes feels like trying to convince my dog that the vacuum cleaner is a playful companion—a comical yet slightly frustrating endeavor. I'm notorious for starting projects with great enthusiasm, only to abandon them just shy of the finish line. My three unfinished books, five years in the making, are a prime example.
As a self-employed creative, I'm a connoisseur of half-finished side hustles. The pattern is frustratingly repetitive; I get fired up, the creative juices flow, and I pour weeks (sometimes months) into the project, crafting everything from the core product to the marketing collateral. Then, at the eleventh hour, right before I'm ready to share it with the world…I freeze. It's like hitting a brick wall.
What's the secret to finally finishing what you start? How do you find a balance between perfection and fighting feelings of falling short? How do you break free from this cycle, and what does it take to move forward?
Feelings of failure, discomfort, and perfectionism are all triggers around imposter syndrome. I explored self-doubt on my podcast last year, maybe it's time to revisit that conversation. Whatever the case, this pattern has to stop. It's time to end this cycle of frustration and find a way forward.
What Is a Comfort Zone
A comfort zone is that familiar mental space where everything feels safe and predictable. It's where you know exactly what to expect, and risks are nonexistent – like always ordering the same drink at your favorite coffee shop.
Staying in your comfort zone too long can stifle your growth and prevent you from experiencing new things. It’s like working from home in your pajamas every day – even when you desperately need to get out and connect with others for your sanity. It's why some people stay stuck in jobs they dislike, yearning for something more but paralyzed with uncertainty.
I've discovered that tackling daunting tasks in bite-sized pieces helps with getting to the finish line. It helps manage feelings of overwhelm and offers a push toward completion. My problem is not the creating, it's the sharing. Putting my work out into the world is where my comfort zone draws the line. That's where I get stuck.
Do you struggle with completing projects? Are you trying to find the key to stepping outside of your comfort zone to accomplish something important? Do you beat yourself up because you can’t finish things? What is it that causes us to procrastinate?
Why Do We Procrastinate
Procrastination is a constant battle, a frustrating dance with delay fueled by perfectionism. As an artist, I struggle with the sense that my work is never complete, always falling short of some self-inflicted standard. It's a feeling of 'almost there,' but 'I think I can make it better.' The ideas are good, the research is thorough, and the execution is strong, but that final push for completion? That's where I get stuck.
Our brains are wired to seek comfort - it's not about being lazy! When you stick to what you know, the brain rewards you with feel-good chemicals that say, "Yes, this is safe and it feels good." When faced with discomfort, your mind instinctively becomes cautious, prompting you to question yourself. Discomfort is often followed by a voice in your head feeding you negative information out of fear.
As a perfectionist, I suspect my reluctance to complete projects stems from a deep-seated fear of failure and the vulnerability of being judged. It's a classic comfort zone trap. My brain whispers, 'Why risk exposing these deeply personal creations when what I've been doing for 30 years is perfectly acceptable? That is when procrastination sets in.
Do you notice specific times you tend to procrastinate? Are you scared or feeling insecure about something?
How Do You Cultivate Positive Change
What is it that triggers self-confidence? Is this a part of what stops you when you are trying to complete a project? In those moments of discomfort, what is your mindset? What is that little voice in your head saying? How are those thoughts making you feel?
I know for a fact that mindset is a superpower. Cultivate positive self-talk, and you'll find the courage to conquer fear and ignite the enthusiasm needed to embrace new challenges. A strong self-image is the greatest asset any of us can have.
Silencing your inner critic and embracing empowering affirmations sparks a flutter of growth. Remember, positive change isn't always comfortable. As your comfort zone shrinks, fear and self-doubt may arise. However, consistent practice of positive self-talk builds resilience and fuels your courage to step beyond your comfort zone.
When you inevitably stumble, be kind to yourself. Mistakes are stepping stones on the path to growth. Reconnect with the passion that fueled that initial spark, and push to keep moving forward.
Let's be honest, breaking out of your comfort zone and finishing projects is tough! While I know it takes a combo of clear goals, little steps, and a serious commitment to kick procrastination to the curb, it is still hard to do. I continue to struggle– some wins, some epic fails, but each experience has been a valuable lesson.
How Do I Plan To Keep Moving Forward
So, how do we break this cycle and finally finish what we started? For me, it is primarily centered around rewriting the narrative in my head. Even if the result isn't perfect, completing it will make me feel better than leaving things incomplete.
This is my list of steps toward change:
Stop procrastinating.
Break free from routines.
Keep the energy going.
Share my goals and hold myself accountable.
This year, I'm shattering my comfort zone. By declaring this intention publicly, I'm holding myself accountable. This has to happen. It's time. For my well-being, I need to release these unfinished projects and embrace growth. So, here I am making the first attempt, starting this Substack page and taking my step toward accountability.
Tell me how you deal with procrastination. What do you do that helps you step outside of your comfort zone? Can you offer any thoughts on moving forward when you are struggling to finish something?
I would love to hear from you. Sending love…pass it on!
Check out my podcast and YouTube videos I did last year on Imposter Syndrome if you would like to learn more.