It might happen when shopping at the mall, while you are at the gym, or as you are driving down the road: a new business idea hits your mind and it doesn't let you go. Developing that entrepreneurial spirit is only half the battle. To begin with that journey you will need a well-researched business idea - unique enough to stand out among the millions of others. You must be armed with a fantastic pitch, and a solid business plan. Great! So all you have to do now is start working tirelessly to bring it to fruition. Right?
This is easier said than done. In fact, the majority never make it past this phase.
So why do so many entrepreneurs and professionals undermine themselves by procrastinating?
It's true that we live in the day and age of distractions-social media being the main culprit. Frequent notifications, emails, and text messages are making it strenuous to focus on one thing at a time. While twitter feed or "How I Met Your Mother" binge on Netflix could be temporarily entertaining, they are surely not important than setting up your business that will benefit so many people. Isn't it?
The truth is, it's not that simple. We are subconsciously wired for procrastination. There are various reasons why people procrastinate and those reasons aren't within their control. Here are some of the reasons that compel people to procrastinate and strategies to nip that procrastination in the bud to get on with launching that seven-figure business:
* AUTHORITARIAN PARENTING: The chronic procrastinators report having parents who are demanding and authoritative. One of the most common reasons people experience chronic procrastination is when an overbearing and controlling parent doesn't allow a child to experience life and make their own decisions. Procrastination becomes a way to quietly rebel against the authority figure. Unfortunately, this passive reaction to overbearing parenting can carry on into adulthood.
* FEAR OF FAILURE: Perfectionists and people who fear failure often tends to procrastinate. They want everything to be perfect so they want to delay the task and oversee even the minute details. There's always another excuse for criticising the work and delaying until the project is shelved forever. At times these procrastinators don't even want to do the work because making it perfect seems too daunting.
* GENUINE INABILITY TO MAKE DECISIONS: Indecision can be a silent killer for many entrepreneurs. Some people have wonderfully creative ideas but are often entangled in the decision spin. Breaking this vicious cycle of indecision is not easy for such people and they are always torn between options and choices.
* SKILL DEFICITS: Skill deficits are one of the basic reasons for procrastination. If you lack the skills, you think you will be ineffective and you experience a lack of motivation. One should experiment and see what happens rather than stopping with unproven predictions.
Unfortunately some startups succeed, yet so many fail. The reason for their demise may not necessarily be the concept or idea, but could be inadequate preparation or inappropriate mindset. Don't fall prey to the scenarios described here. Remember that it takes lots of practice, time, and active learning in order to be really good at anything related to entrepreneurship. Once you have beaten your procrastination habit, find what you were meant to find in this world.
The writer, an entrepreneur, social activist and motivational speaker, is founder of Vat Vrikshya, a social enterprise that helps tribals in Odisha, India.
ansdas64@gmail.com