There’s no logic in postponing things you must do, just for temporary stress/anxiety relief. Yet, how often do we put off making important decisions or getting started with projects until the deadline draws closer? Why defer? Why postpone? You are not alone. Spreading like the plague, the procrastination epidemic is not new. But what’s new is that procrastination doesn’t equate to laziness. And interestingly, most procrastinators are ambitious and driven people, anything but lazy. Many high-achievers profess to be able to perform their best (active procrastination) under pressure and at the last minute! But does it work all the time for everybody? Let’s find out and delve into the procrastination epidemic – causes and cures.
What is procrastination?
While we’ve always heard:
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” – Benjamin Franklin.
But unfortunately, we’ve become pros at putting off things, and quite often, our “not now” becomes “never.” The tomorrow never comes because we are procrastinating.
It’s perfectly okay to avoid things at times. But, if you catch yourself doing it repeatedly, at work and home, then beware of chronic procrastination.
The Procrastination Epidemic-5 causes and cures
Called an epidemic for a reason, research reveals 80-95% of college students and 15-20% of adults are procrastinators. Does that mean more and more people are becoming lazy, lacking willpower, and focus? Absolutely not!
Procrastination is just a habit that can be changed. The human way of responding to stressful situations and emotions it’s the one thing that limits us from being unstoppable. Not anymore. Here are five common causes and cures for the procrastination pandemic. Go from intention to action with these timeless tips.
Here are 5 of the most common causes and cures:
#1 Stop over-thinking. Just Do It: Planning is one thing, and ruminating is another. It is impossible to devise a perfect plan with perfect outcomes because perfectionism is a myth. Stop overthinking and take the first step even if you don’t see the big picture.
#2 Distractions ahead, steer clear: With increased technology use, human attention span has reduced drastically from 12 seconds in the 2000s to merely 8 seconds now! To top it we have innumerable apps on our mobiles that are focus-killing and distracting. Be deliberate and intentionally avoid distractions, including digital distractions.
#3 Fearful? Do it anyway! Much as we hate to admit it, being judged paralyzes us into inaction. Also, fear of the unknown outcome is a trigger for procrastination. The cure? Feel the fear but do it anyway. True, we would rather have people think that we lack effort or time but not ability, but this approach only leads to more stress and further delays.
#4 Mountainous task? Go the mini-tasks, mini-wins way: Who wouldn’t avoid or postpone tedious, unpleasant, or complex tasks? Break down bigger tasks into doable smaller chunks and reward yourself. Every mini-task completed is a mini-win.
If you find yourself procrastinating at work, you may want to read my blog on Decoding Happiness At Work.
#5 Overwhelmed? Time-block your way to success! A never-ending to-do list without a plan is like inviting procrastination. The cure? Make to-do lists or use apps, time-block, and spread your tasks. Finish off with the bigger/more complex tasks first thing in the morning when your energy is at its peak and concentration a 100%.
What type of procrastinator are you?
You’d be surprised to know that procrastination is a common trait in the over-achiever’s club. Whether your procrastination is driven by perfectionism or fear of failure, here are some tips to manage it based on your working style.
If you’re a planner, make sure you plan your day by the hour, keep 2 hours for deep work, take breaks to stretch, and then work on lighter tasks.
For the prioritizers, nothing works better than the to-do list and an organized calendar. Starting and finishing off the most challenging tasks is more rewarding for this type, with deep work for the later part of the day.
If you’re the arranger type, you need a tidy space and a brain dump of your thoughts before getting your work sorted and moving on to challenging tasks.
The visualizers often decide on their priority for the day, make a note of it, and use the Pomodoro technique to accomplish their work, ending the day with lighter tasks.
Ready to Procrastinate Less and be More Productive?
Now that you know you’re not lazy but just need a habit change, are you ready to procrastinate less and be more productive?
All you have to do is analyze the reason, hack and interrupt your response pattern, and reward yourself each time you avoid procrastination. Do this day after day and experience the changes yourself.
If you want to know how to interrupt your response, here’s how to Rewire and Reprogram through Pattern Interrupt.
Life is unpredictable, don’t leave anything for tomorrow, neither dreams nor decisions nor a task. Do not rationalize your excuses for postponing things. Rather be strict with yourself and hold yourself accountable to better habits and higher standards.
If you are determined to make a change and live a better life, here are 12 Commandments To Live Your Best Life.
I have equipped you with the cures that worked for me. I know they’ll work just fine for you too! Better habits for a Better You.