What Is Procrastination and How to Overcome it?

What is procrastination?

Procrastination: the act of deferring or delaying an action until a later time. 

Procrastination can be defined in many ways. There are a variety of additional interpretations and meanings, but for the purpose of simplicity, we'll go with the previous definition. How many of us "defer" what we should be doing right now till tomorrow?

When we procrastinate, we are actually sabotaging our productivity and killing our dreams. Consider this: if you don't take action, what can you possibly accomplish (that is worth accomplishing)? If you put off cleaning your house, you'll end up living in a pig sty, not to mention the health risks that come with bad upkeep. 

Another definition of procrastination is "putting off what should be done consciously and habitually." It's important to note that procrastination is done on purpose. Many people delude themselves into thinking that procrastination just "happens" without any human effort or input. This is not the case, however. In order to procrastinate, you must actively participate. You're actively participating in and causing your own failure when you know something needs to be done but choose not to do it. 

Consider going to the doctor because you feel your body isn't functioning properly. When your appointment comes around, you decide to postpone it because you've worked hard all week and need a break. One day becomes a week, a week becomes a month, and you eventually stop going altogether. You discover you have a condition after passing out at work that could have been avoided if you had just done what needed to be done. 

Also Read: 40 Self-Care Ideas for Introverts

How to overcome procrastination?

Don't let procrastination get in the way of your ambitions to be successful. There is no magic cure for procrastinating other than taking action. Procrastination can only be overcome by taking action when it is essential. When it comes to going to the gym or working out, most individuals postpone, yet they report feeling better afterward. 

When you delay, you feel guilty and, at times, unhappy. People who lack motivation to do even the most basic chores have been identified as borderline or manically sad. You will always feel better after you have completed your tasks. Procrastination contributes to depression and can result in ill health, strained relationships, failing grades, and poor work performance, all of which can lead to job loss.

Recognising the Signs of Procrastination 

Recognizing that procrastination exists is the first step in overcoming it. You won't be able to achieve "success" until you acknowledge that you have a problem. It's similar to having a medical problem. You won't be able to acquire the treatment you need unless you "first" recognise and diagnose the problem, after which you may move on to treating it. 

Determine the "why" behind your procrastination

Understanding the "why" of your procrastination will help you overcome it. Assume you've been putting off cleaning your home. Maybe it's because you've let things get out of hand to the point where it's overpowering you and you simply want it to go away. Procrastination usually occurs when a task that needs to be completed is unpleasant. The majority of people have no trouble getting things done that they enjoy. It's in our nature. We were created to gravitate away from suffering and toward pleasure.

Procrastination may be overcome in 4 simple steps

Step 1

Because you understand that humans are predisposed to avoid painful experiences, relate procrastination with the repercussions of not getting critical tasks done. Make a mental image of the bad things that could happen if you don't get things done. This mindset shift may provide you with the motivation to "act" in order to escape the consequences' agony. 

Step 2 

Prioritise: You could delay because there seems to be so much to do and so little time to get it all done. Prioritising is one technique to tackle this form of procrastination. Make a "to-do" list and go over it to evaluate what things are most critical and what tasks are less important. Then, based on their importance, prioritise those tasks. 

Step 3 

Another effective method of overcoming procrastination is to appoint someone to hold you accountable. When we know that someone is watching us and holding us accountable, we normally try to do what we say. 

Step 4

Prepare ahead of time: This step may or may not be related to step #2. The night before, make a priority "to do" list. Completing your to-do list ahead of time can enhance your confidence because you've accomplished something. You might also notice that you sleep better at night and look forward to the next day. Because we can't foretell what will happen tomorrow, be ready to rearrange some items on your to-do list if necessary.

Don't fight the temptation to rejoice now that you're on your path to a happier, more fulfilling existence. You've earned it!

That was all for today guys.

See you in the next blog.

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