If you’re prone to procrastination, be sure to read this!
The impact of procrastination on oneself and on business is enormous; lost productivity, lost opportunities, depression, negatively affects others, loses respect and can even bankrupt a company.
The polite dictionary definition of procrastination is – ‘the action of delaying or postponing something’. The crude definition is ‘walking around doing everything else except the project or task that needs to be done’. Whatever the definition, the question is “why do we procrastinate?”
Some truths to consider;
· Procrastinators are made and not born that way. Negative life experiences have often turned them into procrastinators. For example, growing up in a highly controlling environment.
· Most procrastinators can change their behavior, although in some cases they may need the help of a psychologist.
· About 20% of the population are chronic procrastinators for whom this is a lifestyle, even delaying doing simple things like bathing.
· Procrastinators actively seek out distractions (such as those that don’t require a decision, commitment, or effort). For example, checking emails but not responding to those that need immediate action.
· Procrastinators try to disguise their lack of confidence in their ability by trying to fool others into believing that they lack effort and not ability.
· Procrastinators lie to themselves that “this isn’t important” or “I’ll feel like doing it later in the afternoon when I’m more upbeat” (but I never do) or “I’m too busy right now.”
Procrastinators procrastinate for reasons like wanting to avoid making decisions or putting things off until the last minute just for the thrill of doing it under pressure, because they can’t deal with something unpleasant about the task, or because they fear failure or even success (not doing so removes your responsibility for the result).
So how can the 80% or more who are not chronic procrastinators get over it and get things done? The first thing you need to do is admit that you are procrastinating. The second is wanting to get over it. And finally identify the real reason for procrastinating and overcome it by doing the task.
Here are three scenarios with helpful tips for you to consider:
If the reason is that you are overwhelmed by a project, start by developing a list of tasks and subtasks that are needed to complete the project. Arrange these tasks in the order they should be done. Do these tasks and subtasks one at a time. Subtasks are often shorter in duration and require less effort, and as such are easier to motivate us to do. Soon you will see the completed project.
If you’re procrastinating because the task is unpleasant, first identify and deal with the unpleasantness. For example, if this has to do with doing your weekly shopping at Costco and you don’t like crowds, go for it. It has to be done at some point, so pick a time when there are fewer people. Think on the positive side that meeting nice people can also be very nice. Go ahead and do it.
If it’s fear of failure (or success), face the fear (False evidence that seems real). Start by examining the fear. What are you really afraid of? If you’re putting off that call to the accountant, ask what I’m really afraid of. Am I afraid of bad news about the extent of the company’s losses? Let’s face it, knowing that it is better because you can come up with strategies to make it profitable this year. Get ready for the news and take that call. It may not be as bad as you feared.
“The really happy people are those who have broken the chains of procrastination, those who find satisfaction in doing the work at hand. They are full of enthusiasm, enthusiasm and productivity. you can be too“- Norman Vincent Peale
If this short article has helped you or if you need more help, I would love to hear from you. If you are a procrastinator, you will most likely put off contacting me. May I suggest that you do it immediately? There is nothing to fear and everything to gain!