Simply hearing the word “procrastination” can evoke groans and sighs from almost any audience. Ironically enough, if you’re vulnerable to this habit, you might rather put off talking about how to stop putting off things.
However, you probably also know there is almost always a price to be paid for procrastination. Though it may be painful to think about today, you’ll be glad you did tomorrow. That’s why you should begin dealing with the issue of procrastination now.
Below is more about this frustrating problem and a few suggestions to help you banish procrastination forever.
What’s Wrong With Procrastination
Procrastination is almost universally considered a bad practice, though identifying why can be a bit tricky in some instances. After all, some people seem to thrive from the adrenaline rush they get by being pushed into “do or die” situations.
However, the reality is that procrastination is emotionally and mentally unhealthy. Here are just a few reasons why procrastination is definitely bad for you:
- Relationship with substance abuse – Evidence indicates that individuals who procrastinate may be prone to abusing alcohol and other substances. This may be coincidental with procrastination, since anxiety and depression are also linked to procrastination, but the reality is that procrastinators often harm themselves with their behaviors.
- Increased financial costs – Procrastination can needlessly cost its practitioners a lot of money. From missing deadlines with financial penalties attached, such as filing taxes, to spending more money by buying in a “crisis” frame of mind, putting things off drains financial resources.
- Greater susceptibility to illness – Procrastinators are often more vulnerable to sickness, as the stress and pressure that is created by procrastinating can weaken your immune system.
- Interference with relationships – Procrastination doesn’t only hurt those the procrastinator, it can also interfere with other people’s lives and activities. This leads to strained and tense relationships with coworkers, family members and other significant persons in the lives of procrastinators.
Why People Procrastinate
There is a common belief that procrastination is just a reflection of laziness among those who practice it. However, the reality is that most procrastinators don’t hate work and are willing to put a lot of energy into meaningful tasks.
Unfortunately, the willingness to work often gets lost in the mental fog that surrounds procrastination. Sorting through the reasons why people procrastinate can help identify root causes and may allow you to overcome them. With that in mind, below are some common causes for procrastination:
- Fear of failure – A widespread reason for procrastination is the fear of failure. Procrastinators often don’t want to start a task if they believe they won’t succeed. Even if they know they will “fail” a task they never start, they feel that they maintain control over the process and can often better accept rejection if it results from self-sabotage.
- Lack of decision-making skills – Many procrastinators are unable to effectively make decisions, especially if they were exposed to harsh, overbearing authority figures during their formative years. As a result, they may put off making important decisions out of uncertainty until forced to do so.
- Inability to prioritize tasks – Some individuals who procrastinate experience problems with self-regulation, and they may struggle with knowing which tasks should be placed first. Because of that, procrastinators often fill their time with relatively trivial tasks when they should be focusing on more significant duties.
How to Beat Procrastination
While ending procrastination is rarely an overnight process, the good news is that individuals can be freed from its grip. Below are several strategies you can adopt to help you fight procrastination in your own life and regain control:
- Remove unnecessary distractions – While distractions in-and-of themselves don’t cause procrastination, they can make it easier. That’s why turning off phones, putting away laptops and even changing your physical location can help remove distractions. Be assertive with friends who might take you away from your tasks, and ask them to respect your time.
- Schedule high-priority tasks – Always put your schedule in writing. Do not rely on your memory, but physically write-down important tasks along with due dates. Place your schedule in a prominent location where it will be seen by you.
- Identify negative consequences – Think through the logical consequences of procrastination and identify the cost you will pay for putting things off. You should consider how procrastination will not only cost you in terms of dollars and cents but how it will negatively affect relationships.
- Ask for accountability – Accountability partners can help you thwart procrastination. Ask people who can help you keep your schedule straight to provide reminders and check on task status. Just be careful that accountability partners don’t become a hindrance or enablers to procrastination.