Eliminating Perfectionism and Procrastination

The professional knows that the next step is the only one that matters.

Of course business plans matter, and knowing the long term goal is essential.

Focusing too far in the future, though, can keep you from taking action and have you stuck in perfectionism. The truth is, you don’t have to know every step to start moving.

The next step is the one you are always in, so training yourself to focus on the very next step will help things move along with velocity.

I once heard someone say that the amateur thinks they need to know every step to begin. The professional will take the very next action and know that the rest will come. The professional also knows that sometimes the next step is essential to allow what is next to unfold. Sometimes clarity only comes after taking the next step!

How can you apply this to your business?

If you are currently stuck, slow down and tune in to what you are creating and what you desire. Ask yourself, what is the very next step?

It may be as simple as making a phone call, looking something up online, or it could be building a website or launching your new offering. If it is something more complex like building a website, ask yourself again what the very next step is for the website. It may be brainstorming an outline of everything that will be included on the website, or asking a friend who they recommend to build out your website.

 

It can always come down to one very next step. Do that, and then ask yourself once again what the very next step is!

You will slowly, but surely see momentum beginning and your perfectionism or procrastination will be eliminated.

 

The most common blocks in taking just the next step:

  • Fear. Fear of things moving forward at all. Fear of making the wrong choice. Fear that the next steps won’t show themselves to you.
  • Perfectionism. Wanting the step you are taking to be perfect. Sometimes good enough is all it takes. Sometimes good enough is all that will ever exist. Choose good enough, especially if you are struggling just to get the next step done. Do it and move on!
  • Procrastination. You will do the next step tomorrow. It is always later. If the task will take 2 minutes or less, do it now. If it will take longer and you can’t do it now, save time in your calendar right now for when you will do it.
  • Lack of Clarity. In your mind, you may think the next step is a giant action. When you break it down, you’ll see that the next step is always simple. Making a call, sending an email, writing an outline, making a decision.
  • Not Making Decisions. Sometimes when things aren’t moving forward, it’s simply because you haven’t chosen the path. If there is a decision you are putting off, making this decision is your next step. Choose based on your current understanding of the situation, and move forward. There is no wrong choice. Moving forward with something will either create what you desire, or will show you quickly where you need to pivot. Either way, the end goal will come sooner by making the decision now.

In summary, all progress happens by putting one foot in front of the other. The very next step is all it takes, and the very next step may be all you know right now. Trust that the path will continue revealing itself to you, but don’t expect it to come before you have taken the next action at hand.

What is your very next step?

Dr. Alicia Newsome

Hi, I am Dr. Alicia Newsome

As a doctor, trainer, keynote speaker & executive health coach, I help high-achievers reclaim their lives by helping them understand and work with their bodies’ hormones, digestion, and metabolism.
Copyright 2024 Dr. Alicia Newsome