Higher Performance Insights | THE stART of MOVING FORWARD

Apr 02, 2024
higher performance insights

I’m busy is the “pull the string” answer for most, but being busy isn’t always about being productive. 


Here’s the thing: refreshing your email for the hundredth time or tweaking a presentation that’s already fine is like running in place. You're moving, but not forward; before you know it, you're brilliantly procrastinating on the work that matters most.


Timothy A. Pychyl cracks open this conundrum in "The Procrastination Puzzle," describing procrastination as delaying what we plan to do, even though we know it will bite us back.

We hesitate because starting feels harder than not starting. But the irony is that the waiting actually hurts more than the doing.


So, how do we untangle this mess? Let's roll up our sleeves and do a bit of soul-searching.

 

Start with this:

  • Grab an (old school) pen and a piece of paper.
  • Write down something you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s that report, the idea you need to develop, or the call you’re dreading.
  • Now, think. What’s holding you back? Is it fear of rejection or overwhelm? Pinpoint the feelings lurking behind your procrastination.
  • Reflect on the cost of this delay.
  • Commit to action. What’s the upside of starting now? Focus on that.
  • Then start. 


If you’re thinking of skipping this exercise, that’s precisely why you need to do it. It’s a mirror showing you your procrastination patterns. And who knows, you might just outsmart your own delaying tactics.


I’ve found that the most effective letters in the dictionary for successful people are S, T, A, R, and T. 

Announcement


For years, HPG has enlightened campus leaders about their cultural dynamics. Now, addressing the broader question of national Campus Culture, we will introduce the State of Campus Culture Report® in April 2024.


This concise report, powered by the Higher Performance Research Group and its 5 Lead Measures, is more than just another interesting bit of information. It's a powerful tool that highlights the most significant dynamic of performance found across any learning institution, providing invaluable insights for campus leaders like you.

We're excited about its upcoming release and grateful to the many leaders who contributed. Look for it soon under our website's "Research" section.


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