Confessions of a Chronic Procrastinator
I have been a procrastinator for most of my life- This is how I deal with the problem.
Defining the Problem
Procrastination is the act or habit of putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention: (Dictionary.com)
There are some professionals that feel procrastination is not a curable trait.
I have been fairly successful coming to terms with procrastination.
I will share how I accomplish this in this article.
Hopefully what I include here will help you in dealing with your procrastination.
Accepting What It Is and Dealing with it
Procrastination is an evil that has affected me physically and mentally as well as in monetary terms both large and small.
When I was a young student I discovered that the homework assignment could be done after I had watched the Star Trek re-run. This was a logical position to my way of thinking- one I took often.
As long as my delays could be justified, at least in my own mind all was well unless of course, the delay resulted in an undesirable outcome. If that happened I might say to myself, “There wouldn’t have been any problem if there just wasn’t so much homework assigned.”
I have a memorable collection of such excuses.
I am not alone. Psychologists estimate that over 80% of all students are prone to procrastination.
Good reasons for procrastinating
Some examples-
If I wait until the day before my thesis is due the stress I will have will result in a better paper. When I use this approach and succeed I get a full blown adrenal rush.
Maybe if I delay the meeting with the group the issue will have settled itself without my input.
I will do it over the weekend when I’m not so rushed.
Sometimes these actually work.
Mostly not.
Somehow I was graduated anyway.
Pushing Back the Present
“I just can’t deal with that right now.”
When is it the right now?
Procrastination isn’t limited to delay in meeting a deadline, it can blanket our personalities with delay- even subconsciously.
The stress resulting from delay can obviously have side effects that can affect one’s physical and mental health. Many professionals contend that depression and procrastination are closely linked.
Which comes first the procrastination causing depression or is it depression resulting in procrastination?
Alice Boyes, Ph.D. Has written an excellent paper published in Psychology Today addressing that and many other issues related to procrastination.
Is it procrastination or is it something else? (Link)
What Can We Do To Remove Procrastination From Our Lives?
Or if that’s not likely to happen, can we lessen its effects?
Sure we can.
Most researchers feel that there are causes of procrastination which can and should be addressed personally without direct professional assistance.
Looking at some of the issues and possible solutions
Giving in to the urge to put things off is the real enemy here.
Instead of putting things off, force yourself to spend at least a little time working on the task.
In many cases, you might find that it is easier to get it done once you get started.
Fear of completing a task may result in its not being done at all. A perfectionist or someone needing to be in control at all times may not even begin a task for fear that the completed product will fall short of approval.
Weighing the task with the reward is a good way to convince yourself to get moving.
Looking ahead to when the task is done. Visualization of a completed task is a powerful tool.
Many say that defining the goal- actually writing it down and then writing down what needs to be done to accomplish the goal should be considered a first step.
Information using goals as a tool promoting that approach to overcome procrastination is available at Goal-Setting-Help.com discusses several self-help suggestions. (Link)
Another approach- one I use personally is to break down a task into separate segments. Each task considered separately isn’t nearly as formidable as contemplating completion of the whole project; procrastinating may not seem as attractive.
Some examples-
Contemplate the building of a house. Such a project is an awesome task. Consider reducing it to components like excavation, footings, block walls, framing, roofing and interior finishing. Tasks seen separately are nowhere as daunting when compared to the whole project.
No Time Like The Present
Timing is important. If a task is waiting for your action try to attack it immediately and get it out of your mind, or at least try to get a portion completed or possibly even started.
Visualization of the project all completed can be its own reward.
Think about washing the dishes. Visualize how much better your kitchen will look when it’s all done, not waiting in the background or maybe,
how the bedroom will look when the painting is done.
When you have a daunting project with many tasks you may find it easier to get started on the more important tasks that are likely to be a priority. In order to prioritize you need to establish in your own mind or write down the overall goal then list the tasks needed to accomplish that goal.
Focus is Essential
Author James Frankton blogs about motivation. He says “A lack of focus in life is a frequent cause of procrastination.” …by preventing you from homing-in on an “end point”. (Link)
Procrastination is a bump in the road- not a roadblock.
While procrastination might not be totally avoidable, learning the reasons why you procrastinate and dealing with those tendencies will be a step forward.
I believe that I may always be a procrastinator. However I think I have the knowledge and motivation to deal with my serial delaying tactics.
Now you also have the same knowledge. All you need is the motivation.
Thanks for reading.
