ADHD - Intent into Action - Jim Livingstone - The ADHD Optimist

ADHD - Turning Intent into Action

Procrastination will kill your dreams faster than anything else. It’s our monkey mind again, spinning tales of doubt and fear, that prevents us from taking action.

Procrastination can lead to any of the following issues.

 i. Increased Stress and Anxiety

 ii. Poor Academic or Work Performance**:

 iii. Decreased Self-Esteem

 iv. Health Problems

 v. Relationship Strain

 vi. Loss of Opportunities

 vii. Chronic Disorganization

 viii. Negative Impact on Goals

We need to replace the “I’ll do it later.” habit we have developed.

A technique called the “Samurai Seven Breaths.” can help. Essentially, we should strive to make decisions within the span of seven breaths, no longer.

The "seven breaths" idea reflects the notion that a decision should be made within the time it takes to breathe seven times. This emphasises the importance of decisiveness, clarity of thought, and swift action.

It suggests that in challenging situations, lingering too long over a decision can lead to doubt and indecision, whereas a clear, prompt choice often emerges with the first instincts.

This philosophy highlights the blend of mindfulness and immediacy that samurai were encouraged to embody in both battle and life. It captured the essence of living with a constant awareness of death, making every moment count, and acting with resolve and purpose.

Using the "samurai seven breaths" concept to overcome procrastination can be an effective strategy for decision-making and action. Here’s how you can apply this philosophy:

1. Set a Clear Intention: Before you begin, stop and take a moment to decide what specific outcome you want to accomplish. Clarity about your goals helps eliminate doubt and uncertainty.

2. Breathe Mindfully: As you prepare to start, relax and calm your mind, take a deep breath and focus on your intent. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly, repeating this for seven breaths. This practice can help ground you in the present moment and clear your mind of clutter.

3. Limit Decision Time: Use the idea of seven breaths to set a time constraint on your decision-making process. This means that if you find yourself stuck in analysis paralysis, commit to making a choice within those seven breaths. Trust your instincts and first thoughts.

4. Act Immediately: Once you've decided, take immediate action. Whether starting a small part of the task or preparing your workspace, moving quickly can build momentum and reduce the temptation for fear and doubt to creep in.

5. Break It Down: If the task feels overwhelming, break it into smaller steps. Apply the "seven breaths" method to each step, allowing yourself a moment to breathe and focus before starting each new part.

6. Reflect on Progress: After completing a task or part of it, take another moment to breathe and reflect. Consider how you feel after taking action. This reflection can reinforce positive feelings and encourage future productivity.

7. Cultivate Regular Practice: Incorporate this method into your daily routine. The more you practice the "seven breaths" approach, the more instinctive and effective it will become in countering procrastination.

Start small and lean into the process, as you gain more experience, raise the bar on bigger decisions and challenges

Grab a copy of the “Seven Breaths” worksheet here.

Let me know how it impacted your life; just drop me a note here, or reply to this email..

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This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content in this newsletter is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional help if you believe you may have Mental Health Issues.