Coaching in Motion : Resources

Article: Tackling the Big One

Everyone has a sticking spot. Writing reports, doing evaluations, filling out tax forms, completing a dissertation, starting an exercise program. We all have those things that we "should" be doing, might even want to do, but have a difficult time getting started. What is your big task?

Before you start on the familiar road of procrastination, ask yourself:
What is it costing you NOT to get this done? Anxiety? Clutter?
What will you gain by accomplishing this?

The McDowells were part way through building a lovely new home on their property when they just stopped. They came to me for coaching because they were stuck. They had a partially built house on their property and were unable to move forward on their project. What we discovered, through coaching, was that they were stuck for 2 reasons: 1) the anxiety that the house would not meet their expectations 2) lack of information about what they needed to continue. Their gremlins were screaming, "What if we can't afford it? We'll be in debt! What if the house doesn't turn out right? We will look like failures!" Once they obtained the information they needed (about specific costs, foundation, permits), they were able to take evaluated their situation and plan their next steps.

1. I can't do this because….

What is stopping you? What is getting in your way? Give yourself the opportunity to take a clear look at your situation. It is necessary to first dentify the obstacles so that you can address them. Don't panic! Sometimes we may be hesitant to even acknowledge the obstacles because then we will be faced with doing something about them! But, guess what? They are there, whether you choose to acknowledge them or not.

2. List the obstacles.

Anxiety is a huge sticking point for people. It is sneaky because it often masks itself as logical thinking. You will be amazed at how just acknowledging and listing the obstacles can relieve your anxiety. You will have a clearer idea of what you are facing.

3. What do you need?

Look at your task. What do you need in order to complete this? On a piece of paper, make 3 columns:

· Resources: materials, tools, assistance
· Time: how much time will this task take? (break it down)
· Skills: what skills are necessary?

Let's use taxes as an example. This is a popular task to avoid and procrastinate on, and there is more than a little anxiety associated with it.

· Resources: tax forms, receipts, pay stubs, bank statements, and all pertinent files
· Time: organize files (time?), obtain forms (time?), fill out forms (time?)
· Skills: accounting, knowledge of taxes, knowledge of self-employment tax laws

Another example: starting an exercise program.
· Resources: exercise facility (pool, gym, classes, weights, bike, outdoors)
· Time: 3 hours/week
· Skills: fitness knowledge, need an exercise program, how to use weights, competency in an activity (swimming, biking, dancing)

4. Get what you need.

Now that you have a clear idea of what you need to tackle your task, the next step is to meet that need. Look at your list. Which parts can do you on your own? Which parts do you need help with?

This is a tough task for you. Otherwise, you wouldn't be procrastinating on it, right? No need to go it alone. Get help! The task you dread may be someone else's area of expertise. For example, you may be able to pull out all of your receipts and bank statements, but then you have no idea what to do with them.

For Stella, balancing bank statements and accounting is an impossible task. However, her colleague gets a tremendous sense of satisfaction organizing finances.

You have two choices in order to complete your task: do it youself or get someone else to do it. If doing it yourself means you aren't really getting anywhere (because you are just procrastinating), then play to someone else's strengths!

1. Hire someone
If accounting is not your area of expertise, hire an expert! If organizing files is something you absolutely dread, hire an assistant.
2. Trade
Your dreaded task is someone else's forte! If paying someone for their services is not an affordable option for you, then consider trading services. For example, someone who enjoys organizing, might be willing to organize your closets in exchange for a night of babysitting. A fitness specialist might be willing to set up an exercise routine for you in exchange for one of your paintings.

You are not only taking the steps to tackle your task but you are also meeting someone else's need at the same time.

You now have a plan for how to tackle your Big Task. It is looming over you. You have the tools to take a step toward it. Go forth and tackle!