In the summer of 1830, French author Victor Hugo was up against an impossible deadline.
Twelve months earlier, Hugo had promised his publisher a new book. But instead of writing, he spent that year distracting himself with other interests and entertaining friends. Frustrated, Hugo’s publisher responded by setting a deadline less than six months away: February 1831.
Hugo devised an unorthodox plan to conquer his procrastination.
He requested that his assistant lock away all of his clothes. He was left with nothing to wear except a large shawl. Lacking any suitable clothing to go outdoors, he remained in his study and wrote furiously during the fall and winter of 1830.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame was published two weeks early on January 14, 1831.
In the past, people have wrongly assumed that procrastination is a disorder. However, researchers have come to believe that procrastination is a habit.
While there are many components to why we procrastinate, one of the root causes is actually FEAR.
Fear of boredom.
Fear of failure.
Fear of not being perfect.
Fear of judgment.
Fear of criticism.
Fear of the unknown.
And the most sneaky fear of all: Fear of Success.
Chronic procrastination is a complex triad of mental, physical, and emotional components. It is about organization, time management, and underlying thoughts about one’s self.
In today’s new episode of “The OverThinker’s Guide To Joy,” I interview Sarah Arnold-Hall on the key elements behind procrastination and how to overcome the habit.
You can listen to the episode here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Happy Wednesday!
xo, Jackie
P.S. If you or someone you know are struggling with procrastination, coaching might be right for you, and I would love to help. You can schedule a free consultation with me here.
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