I had planned to write a procrastination post since the first day I sent this newsletter, but it took almost a year. I have to admit that I am a master procrastinator.
Though most people see procrastination as a time management problem, recent research suggests it's an emotional management issue. At its root, procrastination is a way to avoid unpleasant emotions. We're not simply putting off tasks we dislike but are trying to put off the negative feelings those tasks inspire. The desire to evade these emotions is so strong that many of us continue procrastinating even when we realize that we may face serious consequences.
We may procrastinate to avoid failing at something important. Procrastination can also be an aspect of perfectionism. My number one procrastination trigger is boredom, especially with work assignments. You may shy away from starting tasks that make you feel inadequate or chores that make you feel ashamed.
Recognizing which emotion you're trying to avoid may help you reframe the things you procrastinate on and make behavioral change easier.
Challenge:
This week, I ask you to look at what triggers your procrastination. Try to work out the pain point you're avoiding when you put off some dreaded task. Recognize that you're only trying to protect yourself. Practice some serious self-compassion this week; discard the self-blame and shame you may feel for being "weak" or "lazy." Procrastination is a type of emotional survival mechanism. It's not optimal behavior, but it's understandable behavior. Make a list of the tasks you're most likely to delay and then get to the bottom of your avoidance. Do you struggle with perfectionism or boredom as I do? Do you hate being forced into finishing work projects alone when you would rather work on a team? Does the fear of making a mistake keep you requesting tax extensions every year? Try to identify some of your own emotional triggers this week, and we will look at some potential behavior changes to help curb procrastination next week.
No worries and thank you kindly.
I just think it's getting more difficult to do things on a daily basis that I am in disagreement with. Realistically, it's better to live in gratitude and contribute positively to your household. That is going to continue to be a work in progress for me as who I want to be is out of alignment with who I can be.
I can't wait for next week đŸ˜…
Yesterday, I was forced to help clean up some things from a fire we had two years ago. Talk about procrastination, they were just taken out of someone's garage and given to us day before yesterday. I was procrastinating because I knew it was going to be painful.
Personally, I would have let those things go. It is crossing my personal boundaries to even deal with these items and I felt really unheard and disrespected.
It is important to know why we procrastinate. I agree with it being triggered by subconscious emotions. I can't wait to see some resolutions and tools for that. As always thank you for being practical and keeping us grounded.