PROCRASTINATION - Tips on how to manage it!

We all do it…procrastination. I have found that I have procrastinating more so lately than before. I am writing this blog to better understand what the root cause of my procrastination is…what I have found so far is that I am an anxious procrastinator that is about average but moving into a more severe level. Hopefully you’ll find some value in this too!

After researching there seems to be a handful of reason and opinions why we procrastinate. People sometime procrastinate because they misjudge how much they can accomplish in a specific timeframe. Feelings of overwhelmed anxiety takes over while responsibilities keep pouring in from every direction.

I wanted to put attention towards a scientific and with lack of a better term; phycological aspect of why we do what we do.

Breaking it down:

3 main categories of mild, average, and severe procrastination. How we would differentiate these three is on the severity, duration, and if it affects their life in a negative manner. Once you determine the gravity of the procrastination then you can move on to the root cause.

Sub-categories:

Acute and chronic – short periods of time vs. long term time frames.

Anxious and hedonistic – anxious procrastinations involve postponing things despite the intention to work on them. All the while being aware that the delay is self-defeating and irrational. (this is ME) Whereas hedonistic involves postponing things voluntarily due to prioritizing of enjoyable activities or due to lack of caring. This type possibly could be further evaluated as active and passive. Active is deliberate and has a positive outcome, passive is obviously a delay that results in negative conclusions.

Cause and effect – such as depression, burn out, and perfectionist/work-alcoholics for examples.

Domain specific – academic, workplace, second shift pattern or bedtime.

Tips on How to Manage Our Procrastination

Now that we sort of got a grip of the level of procrastination we are experiencing and closer to the root cause; we need to address how we can start managing it. It is important to tackle your deferment to increase your productivity and well-being.

• Evaluate your type/cause of procrastination.

• Create starting rituals.

• Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize!

• Preparation

  • Create lists, find a great organizer that work with your responsibilities.

  • Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable portions.

  • Set realistic goals and deadlines.

  • Plan how you will handle obstacles.

  • Take regular breaks, increase your energy, and stay motivated.

  • Set deadlines.

• Use social techniques, mentor, inspirations, accountability partner.

• Use visual methods; I personally use a red highlighter and mark things off, sticky tabs, color coordinate, or check box.

• Make tasks more enjoyable by having a different location, playing music, surrounding yourself with crystals, art, having herbal teas or a glass of wine.

• Dive deeper into the WHY?!

  • Identify and address fears/anxieties/frustrations.

  • Develop self-efficiency and self-discipline.

  • Read a book on the topic.

• Ask for help!

• Follow through and execute!

• Reward yourself when a task is completed.

Keep in mind we are all human and not perfect. Nothing ever will be. Good luck to you all and let me know if these tips helped in your journey.