Chris Plough: Procrastination or Intuition?
We all have them… those emotionally sticky situations in our lives that are left undone, or are lingering because we don’t know how to clean it up with that person. Or maybe we just don’t know what it is, but we can’t move off it yet because we haven’t fully grasped the situation.
Whatever the case, that last email, phone call, or text nags at us, waiting for a response.
I know I have mine… with one person in particular. It just hangs out there, waiting for me to tackle it.
The easy route is to beat yourself up over it and wonder why you haven’t resolved it yet… or think of yourself as lazy for failing to do it.
But you know what? There’s another approach to this.
Chris Plough is an adventurous guy who likes to put himself in a lot of uncomfortable situations in life (performing naked on stage, anyone?). It’s all in an effort to understand himself better, but the situations he’s in also – understandably – create a little bit of anxiety for him.
And it’s no different when it comes to resolving uncomfortable personal situations, either.
But just because a situation is creating anxiety, or in other words, creating that urge to act now, doesn't mean that now is the right time to do it.
The first step is to become aware of the anxiety. To be clear, there are some cases in which it is better to respond right away. However, when we have those moments where we sit down to write that letter and we get pulled back from completing the task, it might be a little bit deeper than, “I’m uncomfortable right now.”
Two things to consider: First, there is probably still a lesson that needs to be learned. Processing gives you time to learn that lesson. Without taking the time to process, what you have to say might not be complete.
Second, as you process, your perspective on the matter will likely shift – as it naturally should anyway, right? In the end, you might have a different understanding of that person’s viewpoint, and you might find more empathy for that person and their feelings.
Ask yourself this: Does it have to be done today? Or does it have to be done when the time is right, in the near future?
To listen to Chris's interview on the Find Your True North Podcast, go to iTunes or Soundcloud.
Chris Plough equips epic entrepreneurs for the world that is coming. Chris founded MavenWire, which became an 8-figure global company before he sold it to pursue other ventures. Along the way, he returned to college and received his degree in Theatre Arts, Acting and Directing. Chris is also known for his adventures. He leans hard against limits in order to enjoy a great story — from performing naked on a stage in front of hundreds, to trekking across Siberia and sub-zero temperatures on a motorcycle to reach the Arctic Circle. To learn more about Chris and his work, go to https://chrisplough.com/.
