Today, I want to discuss a topic that affects many of us: procrastination. In this article, I will present research-backed evidence on why we procrastinate and how we can break free from the cycle of procrastination. Before we dive in, allow me to share a personal story that profoundly influenced my work ethic early in my career.
The Story
During my time as a junior engineer at a startup, I earned a solid reputation for delivering results. The company was preparing for ISO certification, which was crucial for establishing credibility as a startup. To facilitate this process, my boss assigned me the responsibility of coordinating between the internal team and the auditors. I was tasked with documenting our software development processes and providing evidence of their implementation. In order to provide a distraction-free environment, my boss even allowed me to work the late shift from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Over the course of four weeks, with no progress check-ins due to everyone’s busy schedules, I diligently worked on the documentation. My boss trusted my abilities and gave me the freedom to work independently. However, just one week before the audit, my boss wanted to do a final check and ensure everything was on track. To his horror, he discovered that I had barely completed 10% of the required work, leaving 90% unfinished.
So, what happened? How did I end up in this situation? Procrastination happened. Initially, I made some progress, completing the first 10% of the work. But as any procrastinator will tell you, finding a million other things to do instead of the actual task is all too easy. That’s precisely what occurred during the remaining two weeks.
During the meeting with my boss, I couldn’t even make eye contact. When I did, I could see a mix of disappointment and frustration in his eyes. The aftermath was a week of intense effort from the entire company to complete the work before the audit. I vividly recall feeling like a total disappointment, curled up on the office floor at 1 am.
How did it end?
Fortunately, we managed to finish the required work on time, and our company successfully obtained the ISO certification. Although they didn’t fire me, I felt that I had done a great disservice to the company. As a result, I tendered my resignation, which they accepted. I found myself without a job for a couple of months, but it provided an opportunity for introspection and understanding the consequences of procrastination. While I still struggle with procrastination at times, this experience taught me a valuable lesson about how it can erode trust in oneself.
Understanding Procrastination:
Now, let’s explore why we procrastinate.
Procrastination is a habit and not a personality trait.
We’ve often misunderstood procrastination as a sign of laziness or incompetence. However, it is not a personality trait but rather a habit, much like reaching for a snack when bored or biting our nails when nervous. Consequently, we can retrain our brains to break this habit.
We procrastinate because of fear of failure and a subconscious desire to feel good at the moment.
Fear of failure is a common underlying cause of procrastination. For instance, when I procrastinate writing a speech, it’s often because I fear it will turn out poorly. This fear of failure can be paralyzing, preventing us from taking action. It’s crucial to recognize that procrastination arises from a subconscious desire to feel good in the present moment.
Procrastination is symptom of stress.
Procrastination is also triggered by stress. When we have multiple tasks and responsibilities weighing on our minds, it feels like carrying a stress backpack. To cope with this stress, our brain seeks relief and immediate gratification, leading to procrastination.
Procrastination is symptom of stress:
To overcome procrastination, we can follow these steps:
Step 1: Forgive yourself and identify the source of stress.
When you catch yourself procrastinating, practice self-forgiveness. Recognize that procrastination is a coping mechanism driven by stress. By acknowledging and addressing your stress, you’re less likely to procrastinate in the future. Open your stress backpack, identify its contents, and release the burden weighing you down.
Step 2: Consider your future self’s desires.
When faced with a task you’ve been putting off, think about how your future self would feel if you continued to procrastinate. Visualize the disappointment and dissatisfaction they would experience as a result. Use this as motivation to take action and avoid those negative feelings.
Step 3: Just start.
Whether it’s the first slide of a presentation, a few words for an article or dissertation, or hitting the record button for a video, taking the initial step is crucial. Once you begin, the sense of accomplishment will fuel your momentum, keeping you engaged and motivated to continue.
Procrastination’s Impact on Your Sense of Self:
Procrastination extends beyond its effects on productivity; it influences our sense of self. The more we procrastinate, the more we start to doubt our capabilities and feel inadequate. This negative self-perception can permeate other aspects of our lives, shaking the foundation of our identity.
What to Do Next:
So, the next time you find yourself spending hours scrolling through social media instead of working on that business plan you’ve been postponing for weeks, follow these steps:
Step 1: Put down your phone and forgive yourself for the delay. Acknowledge the stressors that have been weighing you down.
Step 2: Connect with your future self and recognize the disappointment they would feel if you don’t take action. Use this as motivation to break free from procrastination.
Step 3: Place your phone aside, grab your laptop, set a timer for 30 minutes, and start building the skeleton of your business plan.
Trust me, when the timer goes off, you’ll find yourself more engrossed in your work, ignoring distractions and continuing to make progress.
Conclusion:
Procrastination is a habit that can hinder our personal and professional growth. By forgiving ourselves, focusing on our future aspirations, and taking that first step, we can break free from the chains of procrastination. Remember, it’s not about being lazy or incapable; it’s about recognizing our stressors and adopting proactive habits. Embrace a future where productivity and a strong sense of self are your guiding principles.