Five Ways to Overcome Procrastination
Procrastination can be a result of fear. Fear of the unknown and fear of failure are two fears that stop us from doing something new. Procrastination is also a habit. Many may no longer remember where it first started. Perhaps it began in school when they pushed off writing a paper or getting ready for a presentation, which many students dislike. So what creates procrastination, and how can we stop procrastinating and regain control of our lives?
- Laziness- Lack of energy can become a habit. Staring at the TV or computer can seem like an action, but it is not. When sitting and focusing on being entertained or distracted becomes a part of your life, it is a habit and a form of procrastination.
- Feeling Overwhelmed—Most procrastinators have good intentions and think about doing the new behavior frequently. The more they think about it, the more obstacles come into their consciousness, and the more overwhelmed they feel. Break the task down into small steps and take some action. This will push you out of this negative mindset.
- Perfectionism—Many procrastinators are perfectionists. They won’t start a project or task until everything is laid out perfectly. Perfectionism is a very debilitating problem because these people use it as an excuse for lack of action.
- Fear- Fear of failure and fear of the unknown hold people captive. “Paralysis by analysis” is the common term used to describe this feeling. By avoiding the fear, you give it more power. Feel the fear, recognize your fear, and then act anyway. This creates a sense of control. It doesn’t have to be a significant action at first. Just do something, and your subconscious will take note.
- Poor time management can make it appear as though someone is procrastinating. Individuals may lack the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, which leads to a negative feeling that mimics procrastination.
Notice if you have any of these behaviors, and realize you can do something about this problem. Breaking a project or goal into small steps removes some of the fear and overwhelm. Lay out a plan and prioritize and you develop time management skills. Let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Instead, get off the couch and take some action!
