Have you ever opened up your laptop, faced a mountain of very important work that needed to be done, and just could not force yourself to get started? Maybe you go get a cup of coffee, take a pee, or check your phone instead?
What's that all about anyway??
Before you know it, you feel the anxiety building in your gut. The stern inner critic starts to attack, and then you just want to take a nap instead?
In today's fast-paced world, where productivity is highly valued, executive dysfunction and procrastination have become all too familiar foes. These challenges can hinder us from achieving our goals and realizing our full potential. They manifest in various forms, from struggling with prioritization and time management to avoiding important tasks altogether.
In this blog, we will delve into the depths of executive dysfunction and procrastination, shedding light on the deep-seated beliefs that often hold us back. Furthermore, we will explore strategies to break free from these self-imposed chains and reclaim our productivity.
Understanding Executive Dysfunction: Executive dysfunction refers to difficulties in the cognitive processes responsible for goal-directed behavior, such as planning, decision-making, and organization. It can be caused by various factors, including neurological conditions, mental health disorders, or even simple stress and overwhelm. One of the most common symptoms of executive dysfunction is procrastination.
The Procrastination Paradox: Procrastination can be seen as a paradoxical phenomenon. On the surface, it appears to be a conscious decision to delay tasks, but beneath the surface, it often stems from a complex web of deep-seated beliefs that influence our behavior. These beliefs, although often irrational, can feel very real and compelling, effectively trapping us in a cycle of avoidance and inaction. Inability to cognitively perform, or stay organized has been labeled ADHD, and that's convenient for the medical industry because they can find more diagnosis to heap onto that one and prescribe drugs.
What if it was about something else besides "ADHD"? What if your trauma history, identity, personality, and false core were actually the driver?
What is the False Core? Stephen Wollinsky's book "Way of the Human: Volume 2" explores the concept of the False Core. The False Core is a psychological construct that refers to the learned patterns of behavior, thoughts, and beliefs that we develop throughout our lives as a result of conditioning and societal expectations.
According to Wollinsky, the False Core is formed early in life as a defense mechanism in response to traumatic experiences or perceived threats to our well-being. It is essentially a protective structure that we create to navigate the world and ensure our survival. However, over time, this False Core can become a barrier to our authentic self-expression and personal growth.
The False Core is characterized by a set of deeply ingrained beliefs, self-perceptions, and emotional patterns that shape our interactions with others and our perception of ourselves. These beliefs often include ideas about our worthiness, competence, and lovability, which may be based on societal standards or conditioned by significant figures in our lives.
Wollinsky suggests that the False Core can lead to various psychological and emotional challenges, such as low self-esteem, fear of rejection, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from our true essence. It can also contribute to the development of defense mechanisms, such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, or avoidance, as we strive to protect ourselves from perceived threats to our False Core identity.
The goal, according to Wollinsky, is to recognize and dismantle the False Core, allowing us to uncover our authentic self and live in alignment with our true nature. This process involves self-inquiry, introspection, and a willingness to confront and question our long-held beliefs and patterns of behavior. By doing so, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, freeing ourselves from the constraints of the False Core and embracing our innate potential.
It's important to note that the False Core concept presented in Stephen Wollinsky's book is just one perspective within the realm of psychological theories and frameworks. Each individual's journey and experience may differ, and it is always advisable to seek professional guidance or support when exploring deep-seated beliefs and psychological patterns.
Here Is A Small Example Of How Deep-Seated Beliefs Impact Your Productivity. (if you remember from previous blog posts, each personality type in the Enneagram system, which I coach, has it's own false core, and core motivations. This is not a minor thing that can be easily overlooked!)
I Cannot Do, I am Incompetent, I am Vulnerable, I am Worthless, I am Unsupported, I am Not Accepted: Many people procrastinate due to a deep-seated fear of failure. The belief that "if I don't try, I can't fail" becomes a protective mechanism that shields us from the disappointment and self-criticism that failure might bring. However, this belief can rob us of valuable opportunities for growth and success. This could be coming from a false core of being worthless, non doer, imperfect, or alone and unsupported. Enneagram types 3, 5, 6, 8, 9
There Is Something Wrong With Me, I am Imperfect, I'm Bad: The belief that "if I can't do it perfectly, I shouldn't do it at all" can be a significant driver of procrastination. Perfectionism creates an unrealistic standard that we feel we must meet, leading to feelings of inadequacy and fear of judgment. As a result, we delay starting or completing tasks to avoid potential imperfections. Enneagram Type 1
I Cannot Do, I am Missing Something, I Don't Know: The belief that "the task is too big or too overwhelming to tackle" can paralyze us into inaction. When faced with a large project or a long to-do list, we may struggle to break it down into manageable steps, leading us to put it off indefinitely. Enneagram Types 3, 5, 7
Breaking Free from the Chains: Overcoming executive dysfunction and procrastination requires a conscious effort to challenge and change our deep-seated beliefs. Here are some strategies to help:
Awareness and Mindfulness: Start by recognizing your patterns of procrastination and the underlying beliefs that drive them. We help clients find their false core and core motivations to source these beliefs. You can get clear on your situation by booking a call in the link below. Learn to dismantle your limiting beliefs by getting aware, and being curious.
Setting Realistic Goals: Break down tasks into smaller, achievable goals. By focusing on manageable chunks, you can overcome the feeling of overwhelm and build momentum. Celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation.
Embrace Imperfection: Shift your perspective on failure and perfectionism. Understand that making mistakes is an essential part of growth and learning. Embrace the concept of "progress over perfection" and cultivate self-compassion, allowing yourself to take imperfect action.
Time Management and Prioritization: Develop effective strategies for managing your time and prioritizing tasks. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, or creating a to-do list can help you stay organized and focused.
Seek Support: Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Whether it's a trusted friend, family member, or a professional, having support
Conclusion: Any deep seated belief in our shortcomings will inevitably cause a state of chaos as an identity conflict. A deep belief of "I cannot do" gets the loudest when sh*t must get done. Learn to dismantle that, call BS on the lies to self, and be your best self! If you have unresolved trauma and subsequent triggers, you're not without hope. There's a way to dismantle that as well : )
Please share, and take care.
Peace, Much Love, Live Well!
Coach Jerry
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