Who remembers Tackle It Tuesday? For those who don’t, it’s a simple practice of choosing one area of life—your home, relationships, car, office, or even your mindset—and cleaning it up, organizing, and taking action.
I had planned to bring Tackle It Tuesday back into my routine this week… mindfully! But instead, I found myself “tackling” things like restuffing Rooney’s torn stuffed animals and perfectly aligning the spice jars on my magnetic board.
It all looked productive, right? And it was—to an extent. But in truth, I was procrastinating.
You know the feeling:
That tightening in your jaw, shoulders, or stomach.
Breathing becomes more rapid.
The racing mind, urging you to do anything but the hard, daunting task ahead.
For me, the “threat” yesterday was insurance paperwork. (Yes, insurance—the thing that reliably brings out my inner tantruming two-year-old.) Instead of diving into it, my nervous system jumped into action, convincing me to clear clutter and organize as a way to prepare for “escape.”
Why We Procrastinate
Procrastination isn’t laziness; it’s your nervous system trying to protect you from a perceived threat. Even when the task isn’t actually dangerous, your brain still signals discomfort, giving you a dopamine boost for avoiding the scary thing. This cycle reinforces avoidance—and often adds guilt for not getting it done.
But here’s the good news: once I recognized what was happening, I felt empowered to approach the task differently. I asked myself:
Can I break this down into smaller, less overwhelming steps?
Can I reframe how I view this task?
Can I ask for help if I need it?
The Power of Acknowledgment
Instead of shaming myself for procrastinating, I acknowledged it. I told myself it was okay to feel scared and to face the task anyway. I gave myself permission to take it one step at a time.
We all have those “hard and scary” tasks we put off—whether it’s taxes, paperwork, or something else entirely. The key is to notice the patterns, show yourself some compassion, and take a step forward, even if it’s a small one.
So, what have you made hard and scary? And what’s one step you can take today, even if it feels daunting?
P.S. Tackle It Tuesday isn’t just about cleaning or organizing—it’s about facing what’s holding you back, one step at a time. You’ve got this!
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