In my previous blog, I explored how procrastination can sometimes serve us through purposeful processing and the perfectionism trap. But there’s a deeper, more challenging aspect of procrastination that I need to address: fear.
Fear may or may not be the one and only enemy, yet we allow fear to drive us. I have counted many, many times that fear drove my procrastination into “I am not going to do it.” Let me share a story that illustrates my pure fear of procrastination.
When Fear Takes the Wheel
I started offering workshops for stroke survivors for three months – February, March, and May – one day each month. The workshops are called “Cherish and Honor You: Gentle Yoga for Stroke Survivors.” A few months prior, I was supposed to begin getting the word out through social media, stroke survivor groups, and other channels.
Instead, I continued waiting for the right time. Which meant waiting for my fear to subside.
Consequently, two times out of the three workshops, a total of three students showed up. The driving fear for me is unworthiness. Even though I am a stroke survivor and a thriving yoga teacher, I persist in silently whispering to myself, “I’m not worthy. I don’t have the credentials to teach this yoga workshop.”
Through distraction, purposeful procrastinating, and perfection procrastinating, we procrastinate out of fear – maybe even 50% of the time or more.
What Is Fear, Really?
I love this anonymous quote: “False Evidence Appearing Real.” When we tell ourselves, “I’m not good enough, smart enough, worthy enough,” we don’t have to believe it. It’s not true, but we make it true.
I am notorious for saying “I’m not _______ enough.” So boldly I say, “I am worthy to share my story and share the yoga workshops!”
Deepak Chopra often speaks of ego and fear in his daily affirmations. One quote I strive to live by is: “My ego is an image that I have created… Whenever my ego overshadows my spirit it creates tightness in my body. I would witness the sensation of fear by feeling it. And then I will take the courageous step to do the very thing I fear.”
Step Out Despite Fear
My yoga teacher, Swami Jaya Devi Bhagavati, offered me a powerful reframe: “Use fear as fuel.” “Fear fuels me” has become my new mantra. Little by little, I am learning to let that fuel rejuvenate me, and now with each class, I feel a little bit stronger.
When we use our fear as fuel, we rise to the occasion. We can spend time with families and friends or do whatever we choose, and we can be awake, aware, and present.
The Power of Presence
The key, I believe, is being present in the moment. As Swami Jaya Devi once said about the present moment: “One moment of time, it’s here and gone. You won’t get it back.”
We don’t have to worry about the past. I say, “Honor the positive and negative lessons of the past, then let them go.” We certainly don’t need to worry about future fears. The future is not here now.
My Daily Practice
Here’s what I’ve learned to do when fear-based procrastination tries to take hold:
- Feel the fear. I don’t try to push it away or pretend it doesn’t exist. I acknowledge it, feel it in my body, and breathe through it.
- Question the story. Is this fear based on facts or False Evidence Appearing Real? Usually, it’s the latter.
- Take one small step. I don’t need to conquer the fear completely. I just need to take one small action despite it.
- Use fear as fuel. Instead of letting fear stop me, I let it energize me. Fear often signals that something matters to me deeply.
- Return to presence. When I feel overwhelmed by past regrets or future anxieties, I bring myself back to this moment, this breath, this choice.
The Invitation
Through the ebb and flow of life, I invite you to be abundantly present. Your time is precious – a beautiful gift. Don’t let fear-based procrastination rob you of the opportunity to share your unique gifts with the world.
You are worthy. You are enough. And the world needs what you have to offer.
The next time procrastination whispers, “Not today,” listen deeper. Is it purposeful processing, perfectionism, or fear? Then choose your response consciously. Use fear as fuel, embrace imperfection as part of the human experience, and step into the present moment where your power truly lies.
Your dreams are waiting. And so is the world.