Embracing personal accountability can revolutionise your veterinary life, but not taking control of procrastination can seriously hinder your progress.
We hope you enjoyed our thought provoking introduction to personal accountability in Part 1 of this series!
We made an unexpected connection to the classic novel, The Wizard of Oz, and started on our journey down the Yellow Brick Road to deepen our understanding of personal accountability and its impact in veterinary practice.
In Part 1, we explored the four steps of the Oz Principle: ‘See It’, ‘Own It’, ‘Solve It’, and ‘Do It’. Today, in Part 2, we’re going to tackle a common challenge that many of us face at some point in our careers: procrastination.
Whether due to lack of information, emotional fatigue, or fear of potential backlash, procrastination can seriously hinder our progress. But don’t worry – there’s a way through, and it starts with applying the Oz Principle!
Read on to discover how the Oz Principle can turn intentions into actions and break through those barriers.
The Procrastination Paradox
We’ve all experienced that moment when a task seems overwhelming, and we find ourselves hesitating to get started.
Sometimes, it’s because we feel we’re missing crucial information. Other times, it’s the emotional weight of potential conflict or fear of making mistakes that holds us back. Perhaps it’s the anxiety about repercussions, like losing clients if we raise our prices to keep up with inflation.
These barriers can push us ‘below the line’, where excuses and avoidance take over. You might think, “I’ll handle it tomorrow” or “I don’t want to stir up trouble”. These are classic signs of procrastination and, as we discussed in Part 1, it’s crucial to recognise when we’re operating ‘below the line’.
Instead, we should focus on shifting our mindset to ‘above the line’ by asking, “What else can I do?”. This simple question opens the door to new possibilities and helps us move past procrastination…
Applying the Oz Principle to Overcome Procrastination
1. See It
The first step is to clearly identify the problem. Procrastination often stems from not fully understanding what we’re up against. Take the time to view the situation from every angle: the big picture, the details, the perspectives of others involved. Gaining a comprehensive view of the situation is critical for developing a plan to address it.
2. Own It
Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take ownership. This means acknowledging your role in the situation and accepting you have a part to play in solving it. Procrastination often occurs when we distance ourselves from the task or blame external factors. By owning part of the problem, you empower yourself to take control and work towards a solution.
3. Solve It
With the problem identified and ownership established, it’s time to brainstorm solutions. Break down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts and explore practical solutions to address each component. Seeking advice from colleagues or mentors can also provide new insights and ideas.
4. Do It
Overcoming procrastination requires turning intentions into actions. It’s not enough to have a plan; you need to follow through. Take the first step, then the next, and continue moving forward until the task is completed. Whether it’s raising prices gradually to test client reactions or making a small adjustment in your workflow, the key is to act on your plans and keep progressing.
Practical Tips for Managing Procrastination
Importantly, remember that accountability is a shared commitment. Your actions or inactions can impact your team, so fostering a culture of accountability where everyone contributes to collective goals is essential.
When faced with a daunting task, implement these practical tips:
Break it down: Start with manageable steps. If a task seems overwhelming, divide it into smaller, actionable items.
Reassess and adjust: If your initial approach isn’t working, revisit your plan. Adjust your strategy as needed.
Seek support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Collaborating with colleagues can provide new perspectives and solutions.
When faced with procrastination, use the Oz Principle to guide you through it: ‘See It’, ‘Own It’, ‘Solve It’, ‘Do It’. By applying these steps, you can overcome barriers and turn intentions into actions.
Don’t let procrastination hold you back – take control and move forward with confidence.
In part 3, we’ll address why some team members might struggle with personal accountability and provide strategies to foster a culture of responsibility and growth in your veterinary team.
