Scientists say that a little procrastination does help our brains to find more creative solutions. But what should we do if it becomes the force that, time after time, turns the carriage that should take us to a better life into a pumpkin?
The first step is to listen to ourselves. Often what we call procrastination is a hidden way of distracting us from something really important. Something that is scary, uncomfortable, or you don’t want to look at.
Think back to the last time you were “lazy” and listen to yourself – how did you really feel? Why were you doing anything but what you needed to do?
The real reasons could be all sorts of things. But, the good news is – there’s an “antidote” for each one.
6 Procrastinator Reasons
Fatigue and Tension
We know how this sounds, but if the energy is off, you need to rest. Don’t drink energy and coffee, don’t try to squeeze out “a little more” because “no one but you.” If the resource is close to zero, the body will hint in every way that it’s time to recover, and sabotage any process until it gets its own way. Some people are so tired that they cannot even enjoy activities they love, like betting at 22Bet Senegal or cooking their favorite meals. That’s nature.
Scared to Make a Mistake
Everyone is afraid to make a mistake. But, first, it’s impossible to learn something without making mistakes. Second, most mistakes are correctable.
Don’t get “stuck” in the task, if you don’t understand something – ask colleagues, mentors, friends or teachers for help right away. And if you feel uncomfortable, remember that people love to give advice and love to have their authority recognized.
The Task Is Too Big
Divide a huge pie into many small pieces, assigning each one its own time to complete (mandatory!). It’s best to start with the easiest one – after that, you’re more likely to get involved and do more than you planned.
Unpleasant Tasks.
Think about what’s the most frustrating thing about hanging work for you? A negative feedback from your manager, an unpleasant conversation with a customer, or a topic you know little about. When the reason is clear, it’s much easier to minimize the unpleasant effects. And sometimes unpleasant parts of work can be delegated altogether.
No Inspiration at All
Often we sit and wait for some special feeling to start doing something. But the secret is that inspiration doesn’t come out of nowhere. But it can be created by yourself. For example, think of a small start to a big action. Or, instead of thinking hard, try to do one easy action.
Perfect or Nothing
Negative perfectionism is the pro-procrastinator’s best friend. Behind it can hide the same fear of making a mistake. In such moments, it’s important to feel the support around you to find it inside. For example, talk to someone you trust about what you are good at. And make sure that nothing bad happens if the work is just done well.
Finding and voicing the reason is already half the solution. But you can help yourself even more by following 3 simple steps.
The First 3 Steps to Combat Procrastination
Self-analysis
Think about how procrastination affects your life. Don’t just “bad.” Add more colorful details. What opportunities are you missing? How does it affect your mood? What are your habits that provoke it?
For example, you get stuck on your phone for a minute in any situation you don’t understand and then come back to reality an hour later.
Write down the answers – so you’ll better understand the causes of your problem and systematize painful lump of negative emotions.
Model the Perfect Situation
Imagine that one night spent watching soap operas, cleaning the whole apartment and walking all the neighbor’s dogs (anything but what is necessary) – you go to bed, and at night a miracle happens – your procrastination disappears. You wake up in the morning and feel that “something has changed.”
How will you know that procrastination is gone? What is the first thing you feel when you get out of bed? Upon eating breakfast? Walking over to the computer? What will you do differently?
Have you imagined? Now you have a “tuning fork” – a model of what kind of self-perception you’re aiming for. Go back to it often and check in with it to see where you are now.
Identify Your Sweet Spot
What is the first, almost effortless but new step you can take in the near future to move forward?
Identify it and do it. You’ll see – it’ll be easier from here on out! Especially since such a “simple first step” can be found and performed an infinite number of times, until the task is done completely.
