Time marches on, carrying us closer to the ominous deadlines. The dishes are piling up in the basin, each plate a reminder of our laziness. The to-do list is growing, mutating into a monstrous scroll of responsibilities. And yet, we continue to master the art of procrastination, putting things off until the very last minute or even beyond. As the clock ticks and the dishes stack higher, the shadows of procrastination grow darker, and the stakes become ever more dire.
The Psychology of Procrastination
Procrastinating may seem like a deliberate choice of delaying tasks, a simple act of laziness. However, in reality, it is more complex than that. Underneath the surface remains an abundance of reasons that we fail to acknowledge or understand. Even the most confident people feel daunted by tasks. There is a lingering fear of failure, so the choice of avoiding a task altogether seems better than a failed attempt. This is often the case for people who set high expectations and standards for themselves.
On top of that, the desire to deliver flawless work can enhance the fear of failure even more. Not accepting something just good enough isn’t only perfectionism but can lead to serious procrastination. We tend to connect our self-worth and self-esteem to our achievements. Therefore, any chances of failure make us feel inadequate and incompetent. So, delaying a task until we can ensure flawless execution becomes the easy option.
Procrastinating is very much dependent on the state of our mental health. Even the most mundane simple tasks may seem very complex, requiring a lot of energy from your side. And before you know it, the simple tasks have compiled to become insurmountable. This can cause you to become overwhelmed and you continue to delay it. When you don’t know where to start, procrastinating provides temporary relief from the anxiety of tackling a series of daunting tasks. We momentarily escape the stress, even though it ultimately makes the problems even bigger.
Additionally, our surroundings are filled with distractions and temptations that act as a luring siren. The constant beeping and pings of our phones easily divert our attention to them, compelling us to check them and make us believe that we can multitask. Digital distractions make us switch between tasks, hindering productivity.
When you don’t know where to start, procrastinating provides temporary relief from the anxiety of tackling a series of daunting tasks.
Once you overcome procrastination, there may be major changes in your personal and professional life. While these changes will not happen overnight, you will start to notice them eventually. When you manage your time and focus appropriately, you will get more things done that will leave you feeling in control. Increased productivity will alleviate anxiety as the looming deadlines will disappear. Time management skills will strengthen trust and reliability in your personal and professional relationships as well.
Ways to Crush Procrastination
Here is what you can do to beat procastination.
Start Small
The way to not feel overwhelmed is to first recognise that you do not have to do everything right at this moment. Take baby steps and see what is possible for you to complete now, physically and mentally. Getting started will help you get into momentum and small tasks will turn out to be less daunting than they seemed.
Set Time Limits
Assign certain periods for your work and breaks. Suppose you decide to work on something for an hour, then take a break for 10 minutes. This creates a challenging environment but since you make the rules, it isn’t as intimidating. It helps you focus on your work while also allowing you to relax.
Say No to Distractions
Yes, your Instagram feed is waiting to be scrolled and that Netflix series is begging you to binge it. Stay strong and say no. Identify the things that tempt and distract you and work towards eliminating them. You can log out of your social media accounts or turn off your notifications for the time being. Set specific times to check your texts instead of constantly throughout the day.
Fuel Progress with Positive Reinforcement
This will help you to keep yourself motivated to finish your work as fast as you can. You will look forward to rewarding yourself. For example, if you manage to wrap up a humongous work report well ahead of the deadline, that’s a fantastic accomplishment! Celebrate this by indulging in your favourite coffee and brownies.
Hold Yourself Accountable
Rewarding yourself when you finish up tasks is a great incentive but it is also important to be responsible. Share your to-do list with your household members or close friends and ask them to share their goals with you as well. They can be your accountability buddies, so check in with them about important tasks from time to time. Holding yourself accountable does not mean being harsh on yourself. Just remind yourself about your goals.
Procrastination may seem like an unbreakable habit. But it does not define you. When you conquer procrastination and make progress towards your goals, you will feel more confident and empowered to tackle even bigger challenges. There will be a deeper sense of satisfaction and purpose in your life. You can break free from its grip by being resilient and giving yourself time. Remember, progress is what you have to target, not perfection. So, go forth, tackle those tasks, and witness the amazing things you can achieve!