Overcoming Chronic Procrastination for a better life
Look back in your life, how many opportunities you have lost because of procrastination? How many troubles have you faced because you did not do something when you were supposed to? Procrastination is a major problem affection many people. Some have lost very good jobs, others very good relationships, some good business deals, and so on. Can you remember something important you lost because of procrastination?
Procrastination is residual. This means it keeps repeating itself every time you are in a similar situation. And sooner than later you find yourself accustomed to it. You will always be asking yourself questions like “What’s wrong with me?” “Why did I not do this yet I knew the consequence?” However, in most cases, this is just regret for a moment. Once the issue is over, you will still find yourself procrastinating again and rationalizing it with poor reasons, denial, and a victim mentality.
At times, you find yourself resolving that you will do something about it, for example, obtain professional help, but then again, the same reason keeps you from doing it because the soft voice will tell you that there will be a later time to do so. This is how elusive procrastination can be.
People who procrastinate always have an excuse for it. It may sometimes seem genuine, especially when something unforeseen happens that prevents them from accomplishing their goal. They may say it’s due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, a lack of preparation, a lack of drive, a hectic schedule, or some other weak excuse.
I remember many years back as a student when I had an assignment that would take me approximately 12 hours or a day to complete. Since I had a whole week to do it, I decided I would focus on other things, including rest and leisure, so that I could begin it at day five when I was ‘fresh’ in the mind. Before I knew it, it was the 6th day, and the assignment was to be submitted the next day. Before I could settle down and get started, there was a blackout that covered a wide area and lasted for the whole day. When evening came, I could not wait any longer and had to commute a long distance to a friend’s house where I could get assistance. I forgot to carry my computer because I left in a hurry, but I was sure my friend would not mind me using his. Right before I got there, a virus attacked the computer and it stopped working. It was too late to go back, so I ended up failing the assignment, which cost me more money and time to retake. While it may be true the circumstances were beyond my control, I would have handled any problem had I began earlier.
What is procrastination?
If you can relate to the story above then you procrastination is a harmful behavior that can hurt your mental health, your ability to bounce back from problems, and your general confidence in your ability to handle things in life. The good thing is that you can ensnare yourself from it once you understand how it comes about.
Procrastination, simply defined, is consistently avoiding or putting off doing things that you need to do, even if doing so could have bad results.
People who procrastinate are enslaved in this self-defeating trap of safety behaviors due to emotional discomfort and instinctive ideas and thoughts. When dealing with these seemingly endless patterns of emotions, it can be difficult to keep up, particularly when time is of the essence. For example, work may pile up, causing you stress and maybe leading you to seek out harmful coping mechanisms.
Even when it is obvious that you need to take action, you are stuck due to the uncertainty that comes from juggling two distinct priorities. If you’re struggling with procrastination, know that you’re not alone. I understand it can be difficult for you, but there is hope.
The good news is that quitting procrastination is an possible if you set your mind to it and it can be a life-altering process for you.
Coping with procrastination
Self-talk, or the things you say to yourself when you are by yourself, can have a big effect on your ability to stop procrastination. Adopting a more positive outlook on life can have a profound impact on one’s actions. Below are a few things you can consider if you want to manage procrastination moving forward:
- Divide large projects into smaller, more manageable ones.
- No matter how little, commit to taking the very first step toward completing the task.
- Allow yourself to make mistakes and understand that you will not always be perfect.
- Simplify the process of taking action by gathering all the necessary items ahead of time.
- Try to find ways to make the work more fun, like putting on some music.
- Eliminate any and all possible sources of distraction to make procrastination more difficult.
- Set deadlines for yourself for everything you need to do.
- Alternating consistently between work and rest, reflecting on your success at each rest.
- Start with your best or worst task. This increases your motivation.
- Get professional help for any underlying mental health condition, e.g., ADHD
Managing procrastination is not simple. The reality is that you may do better with professional help in figuring out what sets off your anxiety and learning effective ways to deal with it. If beating procrastination becomes a struggle for you or someone you care about, it may be time to seek professional assistance.
