Is ALL procrastination bad? 7 ways to indulge in procrastination as a small business owner.10/27/2019 Small business owners are really quite good at procrastinating. Especially in Winter when it is cold and wet out, or if the sun is blazing and it's too hot to go out in the day. Especially when there are (good?) series to binge watch on Netflix and Pins to keep pinning on Pinterest. I can say this confidently, because I am a small business owner and I do this. I procrastinate. In many ways “procrastination” is a naughty word. To some it implies laziness, being unmotivated, distracted, unfocused and countless other trigger words. It means that we aren’t getting the things done and we are failing as contributing adults. Now maybe that’s an exaggeration, but maybe it’s not. The point is we heap a bunch of responsibilities and pressure on ourselves. There is always a deadline and there is always the next thing to complete. But where is the real procrastination? I don't believe that ALL procrastination is bad. In fact, sometimes it is important too procrastinate, to S L O W down. More often than not we are procrastinating on our self-care and the things that really matter. Guilty! Instead of sitting up until midnight binge watching Good Girls (it's a really good trashy series, ok), I could perhaps do some Yin Yoga or Meditate or Journal or GO TO BED early! Nah, I'd rather procrastinate this self care. The focus for this late night procrastination isn't about avoiding work or things to be done, but rather it's kind of like some alone time after everyone else has retreated to bed, and I MUST have this. Half the time I am scrolling and watching or thinking about other things. Surely I'm not alone on this one? It's about allowing space to decompress, alone; getting a mental and emotional break in, which may help to decrease stress and anxiety. Procrastination is not all about late nights and binging Netflix though. Here are a few more positive ways you can indulge in procrastination. I find all of these activities give me the space to tune out, with out tuning into technology. Sometimes by procrastinating, you actually free your creativity and find yourself becoming more productive. Procrastaread Ahhh, a good book - there’s nothing like it. No matter the genre, reading is the quickest escape route into another land. Once you pass through that portal there’s no turning back. And if business or finance books are more your speed, there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes the escape is in learning something new. Grab your library card or pay your local book store a visit. Many great reads await you. Procrastamake Is there a hobby or enjoyable activity you’ve been putting off? Now is a good time to pick it up. Bake your favourite cookies. Cook a meal that reminds you of someone special. Knit a scarf. Write in a journal. Paint a canvas, an end table, or a masterpiece. Whatever your “thing” is lose yourself in it. Procrastaclean Raise your hand if you procrastinate on doing dishes and laundry. (*raises hand*) While some find household chores relaxing, others can’t stand them or just never seem to have the time for them. Cleaning has become a “hurry up and get it over with” activity. Slow down a little and do the dishes by hand. Even if you don’t find it relaxing, you’ll walk away with a little more gratitude for the modern-day luxuries. Procrastercise In some instances, exercise has become another chore. We do it because we know we need to and it will keep us fit and healthy. Sometimes we don’t see the benefit until it’s over and working out becomes another task we must complete. Try approaching exercise in a new way. Find something you enjoy doing. Something you can look forward to. Try yoga or meditation (for those with busy minds, keep a notebook nearby to jot down fleeting thoughts) or go for a walk on a new trail or in a different neighbourhood. Just get out there and move. Procrastasip Drink coffee. Drink tea. Drink margaritas. Get dressed up for a night on the town or dress down for a night in. Fly solo or invite a friend. For some, socialising recharges their batteries while others find energy in solitude. Do what suits you and I promise you’ll feel refreshed. Procrastanap OMG! I am the biggest advocate for taking a Nap. Find the nearest hammock, couch or shade. Sleep is essential and we don’t get nearly enough. The benefits of sleep range from improved memory, sparked creativity, improved athletic performance and weight loss to lower anxiety and depression levels. Granted getting a good night’s sleep won’t prevent you from all disease, but quality sleep is a key factor in a healthy lifestyle. Procrastassage It’s no surprise that my favourite way to indulge in procrastination is through massage. I would so start and finish my day with a massage if I could. The mental and physical break in a softly lit, warm, nurturing treatment room cannot be beat. Added bonus, massage really is good for your health and wellbeing. I'll advocate a last minute bodywork session over catching up on emails any day! In case you didn’t pick up on it, bringing awareness to our own procrastination is about changing habits. It’s about incorporating enjoyable activities in our busy, stressed out lives. It’s about finding peace while being productive and keeping things in balance. Being riddled with daily stress and anxiety serves no one. Especially you. I'm a believer in going with the flow. I don't like to force my creativity or push to get things done. Rather, I will write lists, balance my day with things that feel good, aligned with my sense of joy. Yes I will procrastinate. But I do so consciously and by doing so, I do not feel bad about it. Have you got some dreams, goals or lists of things you want to get done for your business but you keep putting them off by procrastination or simply not doing them? It's nearly the end of the year. In fact it's nearly the end of this DECADE! Do you want to outsource some of your to do list? Blogs, social media posts, re writing your About me page? Let me help so you can spend more time doing the things you love. ![]() Nicola Hogan is a Creative Communication Strategist with a knack for crafting client relationships. A Writer, Holistic Therapist, Massage Therapy Mentor and Mum to 3 school aged kids, Nicola has spent years creating a biz/life balance that (mostly) works. Nature lover, urban gardener and coffee addict, she's a stickler for good customer service and is not afraid to speak out when it's in lack. Connect with her on all the usual online social places.
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Do you pay much attention to the moon and her cycles? The moon, if we tune into her, can influence our lives and our small business. I'm not talking about the weird energy or crazy behaviour of some people around the time of the full moon. Although, you may notice that in the week leading up to the full moon, many clients will share similar themes, behaviours, patterns or issues. There are four phases of the moons cycle and we will feel the energy of each cycle differently, with the strongest feelings being noticed at the full moon.
In my business, I tend to notice the energies of the New Moon and Full Moon the most. I find these moons to be a wonderful time for personal and self reflection for my small business. My beliefs are holistic, I take a snap shot of the bigger picture. It was how I practiced as a Massage Therapist, taking into account body, mind and soul of each of my clients and supporting them to bring these elements into balance. I would often consider the moon as one of the holistic tools I used in my service. As a copywriter, communication strategist and mentor, I like to use my holistic toolbox in the same way and work with the moon for guidance and reflection. Today is the 14th of October and marks the Full Moon in Aries (or the 13th October, depending on where you are geographically located). I'm no astrologist, but I do have some understanding of the Star Signs. Aries is the first astrological sign, so this full moon brings an energy of release and new beginnings. You can read more about the Full Moon in Aries with Astrology King. How to use the Full Moon energy in your small business. Full Moons are a time to harvest, a time to reap what you have sown in the previous month and release all that is no longer serving you. The best time to work with the energy of the Full Moon is a day before to 2 days after. Now is the time to pour your self a cuppa, sit quietly with your journal to reflect and contemplate your business. You might like to ask or consider:
You may like to burn some incense or palo santo in your office, treatment room or where ever you work to cleanse your space, leaving the window open after to allow the stagnant energy to leave with the smoke. You can also charge your crystals in the moonlight or even take a walk in the moonlight as you mindfully release all that does not service you. In the days after your Full Moon ritual, you can create your office, treatment room or sacred space again by placing your moon charged crystals strategically. Get some lovely fresh flowers or an indoor plant to enhance your space. And if you are feeling stuck or needing extra support in your business, feel free to book in for a Mentoring Session with me. ![]() Nicola Hogan is a Creative Communications Strategist with a knack for crafting client relationships. A Writer, Holistic Therapist, Massage Therapy Mentor and Mum to 3 school aged kids, Nicola has spent years creating a biz/life balance that (mostly) works. Nature lover, urban gardener and coffee addict, she's a stickler for good customer service and is not afraid to speak out when it's in lack. Connect with her on all the usual online social places. 1997, Leighton Beach. Fresh journal in my hands. I sat staring out to Rottnest Island. My boyfriend had just dumped me for a woman he had just met, buying her old car a week previous. It was a classic bomb. A seventies model Triumph, full of rust and hard to start. "Hey babe, I've met someone else. I'm moving on. You are just not on the same spiritual level as me. You need more woo, less foo in your life". Oh those words. I can laugh at them now, but as a 19 year old it stung and I felt confused. What did he mean more woo? He handed me his copy of Louise L Hays, You Can Heal Your Life and drove off exhaust popping into the sunset. That boyfriend did me a huge favour. He was an egocentric, wanna be guru with a mane of hair like a lion and far too many mala beads. He also used to wear my pants without asking. He did, introduce me to yoga, meditation, vegetarian dinner parties and long deep and meaningful conversations over bottles of (cheap) red wine. Each of these introductions opened up my creative spark. I took myself back to adult college and enrolled in a bunch of English and Media subjects, because I was gonna be a writer. What unfolded over the next twenty years was a side step into a career and business in Massage Therapy. I started my Diploma in 1998 and have spent years writing client reports, blogs, e-newsletters, action plans and marketing material. Like every writer I know, there are times when you come across a block. You go to write and there is nothing. Usually it's because your mind is full of swirling ideas or countless to do lists. More woo, less foo. 3 ways to tap into your creativity. 1. Essential Oils: My go to's for diffusing at my writers desk are lemon, clary sage and cypress. Diffuse one or blend them together. Lemon is the oil of focus, it is uplifting and may improve concentration. Clary Sage, my favourite, is the oil of clarity and vision, which we can all do with more of. And Cypress, the oil of motion and flow, helps to get those words out of you mind and flowing. 2. Mundane tasks: Not an overly woo or spiritual practice, or is it? There is something that happens when you go about the mundane activity of domestic chores. You give your mind space to wander, rather than sitting staring at a blank screen. Try it. Some of my best ideas come scrubbing dhal coated saucepans. 3. Ritual: Create a ritual or space for writing and creativity. I like to use crystals, a nature element like a flower or feather, my essential oils, favourite pen and coffee in my best cup. I'll choose some music for the background. Before opening my notebook or fresh word doc, I'll close my eyes and breathe for few minutes, tuning within and feeling relaxed. What's woo for me, may not be woo for you. Find your own way to tap into your creativity and clear the foo! And if you're struggling to unjumble your thoughts into words that make sense and work, I'm your gal! ![]() Nicola Hogan is a Creative Communications Strategist with a knack for crafting client relationships. A Writer, Holistic Therapist, Massage Therapy Mentor and Mum to 3 school aged kids, Nicola has spent years creating a biz/life balance that (mostly) works. Nature lover, urban gardener and coffee addict, she's a stickler for good customer service and is not afraid to speak out when it's in lack. Connect with her on all the usual online social places. |