Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination can work for you as well as against you.
Identifying which category each procrastination item fits into
lessons overwhelm and assists in getting things done in a timely
manner. By letting go of a lot of negative self-talk we can use
the energy we save for more productive uses.
Step 1 Consider the cause & characteristics
The first step is to consider the knowledge around what
procrastination actually is and what causes it. Please remember
that although there may be many 'causes', the procrastinator is
always the one choosing the specific cause or reason for
procrastination.
The following 'causes' are common
False beliefs Many procrastinators are convinced that they work
better under pressure, or they'll feel better about tackling the
work later.
Fear of failure "The main reason people procrastinate is fear,"
says Neil Fiore, Ph.D., author of The Now Habit. Procrastinators
fear they'll fall short because they don't have the requisite
talent or skills.
Perfectionism Procrastinators tend to be perfectionists--and
they're in overdrive because they're insecure. People who do
their best because they want to win don't procrastinate; but
those who feel they must be perfect to please others often put
things off.
Self-control Impulsivity may seem diametrically opposed to
procrastination, but both can be part of a larger problem:
self-control. People who are impulsive may not be able to
prioritize intentions. So, while writing a article you break for
a snack and see a spill in the refrigerator, which leads to
cleaning the entire kitchen.
Punitive parenting Children of authoritarian parents are prone
to procrastinate.
Task-related anxieties Procrastination can be associated with
specific situations. Even the least procrastination-prone
individuals put off taxes and visits to the dentist.
Unclear expectations Ambiguous directions and vague priorities
increase procrastination. The boss who asserts that everything
is high priority and due yesterday is more likely to be kept
waiting. Supervisors who insist on "prioritizing the Jones
project and using the Smith plan as a model" see greater
productivity.
Depression The blues can lead to or exacerbate
procrastination--and vice versa. Several symptoms of depression
feed procrastination. Decision-making is another problem.
Because depressed people can't feel much pleasure, all options
seem equally bleak, which makes getting started difficult and
pointless.
Other characteristics Low Self-Confidence - I'm Too Busy
Stubbornness Manipulation Coping with Pressures A Frustrated
Victim
Step 2 Don't be to hard on yourself
Please note that procrastination can be really severe in terms
of your health, your family