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Business woman jumping over huge gap in concrete bridge as symbol of overcoming challenges. Cityscape on background. 3D rendering.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED&nbsp;&nbsp;I had never even camped before. Yet here I was. In the middle of the Redwood Forest. Five hundred miles from the place I called home my entire adult life. I had planned for 4 years for this moment. In those 4 years I prepared myself for a time when things would get so hard that I would want to quit. I knew at some point that I would second-guess this big idea of mine and wonder what in the heck I was thinking all those years ago. I knew that I was doing something big, something scary, something risky. What I didn't know is that everything that could go wrong, would go wrong just 12 hours into my 9-month expedition.&nbsp;I thought I was industrious by previously researching the sunset time for Crescent City. It was expected to be 7:52pm on that life-changing night of August 31st in Northern California. What I didn't anticipate, because I am not a camper, is that it would get dark a lot sooner than that. I didn't know that, because I also didn't know the redwoods were the tallest trees in the world which I now know to mean that when you are surrounded by them, you get very few hours of daylight. The glorious 2 hours I thought I had, disintegrated into an ashy pile of minutes right before my eyes. When shadows were already long at 6:29pm and I was running out of gas still 12 miles of windy road away from my unreserved campsite, my first sense of panic set in. I had lost cell service. Maps was a complete loss. I'm pretty sure it devil-laughed at me when I searched for gas stations.&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Now that I realized the dire situation I had somehow put myself in, I rolled up the windows, turned down the music and removed my sunglasses in the quickly-dwindling daylight. I white-knuckled myself down the unfamiliar road contemplating h<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">ow I missed all the preventative measures for this could-be fiasco.<span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);">&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">The exhiliration I once felt finally setting out on this solo adventure, suddenly sank with my stomach<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">A few seconds earlier I was singing at the top of my lungs to Wide Open Spaces. The sun on my face, <span data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">windows down, my long hair flying around, bouncing off my sunglasses. <span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">From behind I must have looked electrocuted with my hair&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">being sucked out the window on my left and <span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">sticking straight up through the sunroof<span data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">.<span data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp; My dreams were precisely "taking the shape of a place out West", I imagined my future, "finding a dream and a life of my own, seeing new faces. But what it would hold for me, I hadn't yet guessed".&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Now, I had found myself in the middle of nowhere having to choose between running out of daylight or running out of gas. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">The thought of trying to set up my never-before-used camping gear in pure darkness, in a never-seen-before place under never-experienced circumstances, with no cell phone service, made me panic so much that the thought of running out of gas paled in comparison. So I urged on, hoping that if I did make it to camp, that I could actually camp there.<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">I couldn't even enjoy the bits of ocean view along Highway 101...the whole reason I detoured off my route in the first place. I was starving for daylight more than any scenic view. My focus was on the tick-tock of minutes getting higher as the sun got lower. The road got windier and the decline got steeper. I put my car in neutral to save gas while driving downhill. The first bit of relief in 20 minutes past over me with the darkening shadows of the Reds. The campgrounds Kiosk ahead shining like a beacon of hope. Its rays of light reaching out as if arms welcoming me into a safe embrace. But that was just the beginning of a very long night...<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;TO BE CONTINUED

What It's Like To Take The Leap (Part 1)

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Welcome back to the second part of Productive Procrastination. Hopefully, you learned from part 1 that Productive Procrastination is doing all the little things required to prepare yourself for whatever it is that you have to do. When you spend so much time preparing, the actually thing itself suddenly feels small and doable. This strategy can be applied to simple things like working out or cooking.&nbsp; But because I am a certified life coach, I use it to help my clients make shifts that cause major improvements to their quality of life. What once felt like a daunting task is now an inspired plan. That's the effect Productive Procrastination can have!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pay close attention to what it means to be prepared. You should quickly realize that you are not even in a position to achieve your goal if you don't prepare for it first. <span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp;Preparation is defined as “the process of making something ready for use”. In other words, it is<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));"> “a series of actions taken before one is in a suitable state to make a goal accomplished”.&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; If you have ever set out to change or improve something in your life but find yourself feeling discouraged and ultimately quit, it is likely that you have not spent enough...or probably...any...time preparing for it.<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In order to prepare yourself to finally reach your goal, there are 3 major categories that you need to focus on. The first one is...<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Your mind. This is gonna seem so obvious by the time you finish reading this paragraph. Prepare your mind by first deciding THAT you are going to do the thing. This is preliminary! If you haven't first decided that you are going lose 20 pounds, or apply for a promotion, or start a new business, how will you actually ever do it? <span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Ben Horowitz said, <span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);">“Any decision is better than no decision.” Hurry up and make one already! Of course there are many more things you need to do to prepare your mind but this one is by far the most critical.<span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Next, you'll have to prepare your space. Did you know that your brain automatically and subconsciously responds to all the stimuli in a room? If you walk into a chaotic or cluttered space, your brain spends a lot of energy trying to make sense of it all. This automatic response may prevent you from being able to focus or even remember simple things. Have you ever walked into a room to get something? Only to completely forget what it is you went in there for? That's because the brain absorbed all the information from the new environment and temporarily erased that from the previous one. By creating a space that is organized around your goal, you can utilize the natural processes of the brain to support your success!<span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; And the last category is something I bet you never would have guessed...your social circle. By preparing the people you spend the most time with, your accountability and motivation will soar. This process can be as specific as suggesting certain ways they can help, i.e. weekly check-ins, workout partner, listening ear, or as general as letting your family know the journey you are embarking on. One of my clients made this announcement at dinner one night and she was shocked at her two daughters' excitment and support for her. They came up with their own ideas to help her like writing out an agenda for her and making lunch on Sundays so she could focus on the goal. Before long it was a family affair and this client propelled into action as a result.<span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Using Productive Procrastination to prepare your mind, space and social circle will catapult you into your goal. The above suggestions are just a few of the many steps you can take to be completely prepared. I offer many more simple and inspiring ideas in my personal coaching and in The Unstuck System, an online self-paced program to help you finally achieve your goal. You can also stay tuned to my blog for more morsels or find your Productive Procrastination Coach on Instagram at:<span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/productiveprocrastinationcoach/"> https://www.instagram.com/productiveprocrastinationcoach/</a><span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);"> <span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp;

Productive Procrastination - Part 2

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Yes, I am giving you permission to procrastinate! If you are a serial procrastinator, this strategy is for you! If you are not a procrastinator but you have something you want to accomplish, learning productive procrastination will not only help get you there, but it will also be your guiding light along the way. It is the lighthouse when you are lost at sea, the north star when you are lost in the woods. Productive Procrastination is your GPS when you don’t know which way to go.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -----&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It all started with one of my first coaching clients. She struggled with procrastination. Of course, she didn't call it procrastination. She called it, "need to get more done in my day". She would work a full 8 hours every day but have very few tasks completed by the end of the week. She would write reports, attend meetings both online and in-person and she always made her deadlines but, in the process, felt like she was treading water, just trying to stay afloat in the abyss of assignments. She wanted to accomplish more in less time so she could get ahead of her to-do list instead of chasing it. Achieving this would allow her the more peaceful and enjoyable quality of life she longed for.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">She tried different solutions like getting up earlier, changing her schedule and adding a midday walk to "get the juices flowing". But the outcome was always the same. Another day gone by without finishing everything she needed to do.<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; As one of my coaching services, I did an in-home session with her so I could make observations and see where we could streamline her process. She lived in a small studio in Oakland, California, where she also worked from home.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I was there first thing in the morning so I could see how she started the day. A practicing minimalist, her apartment was in immaculate order with peaceful design elements, so right away I knew that the enemy wasn't a chaotic space. She had no kids and no regular interruptions like visitors or phone calls, so I expected the signs to point to habitual behavior.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The first couple of hours went by and, although she was "busy" the whole time, she still hadn't gotten a good start to her work. What I observed was that periodically she would stop to get something...either something that she needed to do the work or something that she wanted to be more comfortable while working.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She would sift through a bunch of papers to find notes from the day before, rummage through a drawer in search of a pen and scan text messages for important information from a co-worker but then get distracted by fun phone things. &nbsp;in seperate instances, she got up to put on a sweater, make a cup of coffee, and hand wash a couple dishes.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All these distractions and that doesn't even include the several minutes it took to "set-up" her desk which consisted of bridging 2 counters with a wooden tabletop for a (quite clever and aesthetic) make-shift desk to fit into her small studio.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Before I knew it, it was time to go to an in-person meeting. She hopped in the shower, spending the next 30 minutes getting ready for the day. She drove a 1.5 hours round trip for the meeting and spent 1 hour in the meeting. At the end of all that, most of the day was gone and the only things she finished were a couple short paragraphs in her report and 1 meeting with a client.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;At the end of the day, we discussed my observations. When I listed all the breaks and distractions that interfered with her progress, she was quite surprised that there were so many of them. She didn’t notice that those little behaviors were so disruptive because she really liked doing them. We discovered that she enjoyed the busy work because it was a way for her to ease into the day. Wearing a sweater, sipping coffee and having a clean space made her feel comfortable and motivated. Cleaning the kitchen and setting up her desk every morning was necessary to create an office area, but she even valued that time because it allowed her brain to warm up before dedicating major focus to her work duties. Those leisurely activities were the self-care she needed to feel prepared to conduct business.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The problem was, she was mixing this prep time with her work time. Without realizing it, she spent much of the day trying to get prepared to work AND do the work at the same time. Intermingling the two prevented her from fully focusing on either. It sucked the life out of her day and destroyed her motivation.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To improve this situation, we simply separated prep time from work time. We completely saturated her preparation schedule so that when she finished everything on the list, there would be nothing left for her to procrastinate over. Like ringing out the last drop of water from a sponge, we included every possible form of procrastination that we could think of that.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The strategy was broken down into 2 categories. We needed to prepare: 1) her mind and 2) her space. We came up with a list of all the things she would need to do in these areas to feel completely satisfied with them so she could focus .&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To prepare her mind, the list included actions pulled from my observations including, making coffee, finding a sweater and moving her shower routine to the morning. We then added more items like 30 minutes of personal reading and lots of “cuddle-cuddle time” with her pets. Preparing her mind to transition into work mode, she would write down the 3 most important tasks to accomplish for the day. This specific action item not only allowed her to ease into work mode and organize her brain, but it would also help her stay focused when she found herself getting off-track.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To prepare her space, we added things that were necessary to be more productive once she started to work. This included setting up her desk, cleaning the kitchen (aka office), gathering emails, notes and phone numbers that were pertinent to the day’s goings on. We also made a list of tools she could get to help organize her day. A printed calendar, sticky notes and a bulletin board would keep information in one place and would be easy to store away at the end of the day.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; We dedicated so much time to preparing her mind and her space that it significantly decreased the hours left for work. She would now spend more time preparing to work than she would actually spend doing the work. But because she was completely prepared and able to mentally commit 100% to it, she became much more productive, accomplishing more in less time, just like she wanted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; She was elated with this new process because it fully shifted her mindset and increased her motivation. She said, "Preparing for work is like getting work done without actually doing the work." She <span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">is now living the more enjoyable pace of life that she was wanting and <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">uses the power of preparation whenever she has something she wants to accomplish.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; This new process was a way for her to procrastinate but be productive at the same time. It allowed my client to feel completely fulfilled not only in her work, but in her daily life as well. &nbsp;Satisfaction replaced guilt. Motivation replaced fatigue. Time-wasting procrastination was replaced with Productive Procrastination...<span data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight);" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PART 2 COMING NEXT WEEK

Productive Procrastination (Part 1) - using the power of preparation to finally achieve your goals

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; You've had this idea for years now. You've thought about it over and over. You imagine how great it could be. You dream about how it could change your life. You've toiled over how you can make it happen. Yet, here you are. In the same situation you were years ago. Your dream unrealized.&nbsp; Your life unchanged. You just feel...stuck.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;That's where The Unstuck System comes in to play. It's a few basic and motivating steps that prompt you forward so you can finally do that thing.&nbsp; Whatever it is that you want to do to improve your life, The Unstuck System is your guiding light. It's that best friend who won't let you quit. It's the "aha" moment that never fades.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Getting unstuck is actually a very simple process. All you have to do is decide exactly what you want to accomplish. Spend some time preparing for it. Make a plan to accomplish it. Then...just do it. That's it. Decide. Prepare. Plan. Do.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Decide. I'm always amazed at how people skip this step. But because it does get skipped so often, it's no wonder why so many dreamers feel stuck.&nbsp; It's becuase they haven't actually decided to do anything.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Think about it. Everything you did today happened because you decided to do it. When you finally got out of bed in the morning...it's becuase you decided to do it. When you headed off to work...it's becuase you decided to do it. When you cleaned the house, exercised, applied for a job, bought a new house...it's becuase you decided to do it. Every accomplishment starts with a decision. You are one decision away from a totally different life.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Prepare. This is another step that is often overlooked. When, in actuality, you should be dedicating the most time to preparation than to any other step. You should spend so much time and effort on preparation that when it is time to execute, there is very little left to do.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;You need to prepare your mind, your environment and your social circle so that the elements of your daily life support you in achieving your goal. Without preparing these ingredients your determination and capability are fragile. But when they are fully prepared to assist in your mastery, watch your inspiration and progress soar!&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Plan.&nbsp;At this stage in The Unstuck System, you've already done all the hard work by deciding exactly what you want to do and spending a lot of time preparing to do it. By completing those 2 steps, you will have naturally come up with some ideas or actions to take. Write down just a few of them to get you going. A few easy action items can catapult you into your goal. But without at least a simple plan, it easy to feel like you are failing. <span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">“Proper planning prevents poor performance.” ~James Baker<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Do. In the words of the most famous, most successful campaign on the planet, "just do it." (Thank you Nike.) There comes a point in every venture where there is nothing left but to just do it. You've prepared for this moment. There's no more excuses. No one else is coming. You just gotta do it. "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." -Zig Ziglar&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">*The Unstuck System is a downloadable, self-paced workshop that you can start at any time. It goes into detail covering the topics above and comes with group coaching and private coaching to keep you encouraged and productive. If you'd like more information or to get started today, schedule a complimentary coaching session or email yourlifecoachishere@gmail.com.

Natalie Cottrell - Your Clarity Coach

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Productive Procrastination (Part 1) - using the power of ...

The Unstuck System - how to finally accomplish your goals