A “feel good” distractor is anything we choose to do instead of what we know we should do (i.e. what we do when we procrastinate). Life is all about balance; all of us need our downtime, our time to relax, to recuperate, to rejuvenate, rest and renew. After all, even Saints must sleep and Priests must play. At the same time, every one of us at some time or another has given into the temptation to do what “feels good” verses what gets the job done. In moderation, there is no or minimal harm. In excess, repeatedly choosing “feels good” distractors become a pathway to sloth and a wasted life falling far short of its potential.
“Feel good” distractors can become a form of escapism and can lead to increased feelings of guilt as we repeatedly postpone doing or facing what sooner or later we know we must face. Our procrastination makes it worse, not better and the self-knowledge that we did not chose well adds to our discomfort.
Solution? Two suggestions:
1) Just DO IT! Getting started is half the battle; doing it first, gets it over with and gives you a tailwind. Furthermore, it is rarely as bad as your imagination has built it up to be.
2) Project your mind into the future; imagine how good you will feel when the task is completed, the sense of accomplishment and increased self-respect. See yourself as a doer, as a person with energy and drive, a “can do” personality. Find that part of yourself, find a memory that highlights when you exhibited your best self; live in that part of yourself, summon your best self and go forth.
Closing Quotes:
“We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.” – Vince Lombardi; 1913-1970
“People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine.” – Brian Tracy; 1944-
“Accomplishments give you a sense of confidence and encouragement.” – Catherine Pulsifer
“There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” – Norman Vincent Peale; 1898-1993
“All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination. Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and wealth.”– Napoleon Hill; 1883-1970