Procrastination: Causes, Consequences and Ways to Overcome

As a Procrastinator (yeah there’s a word for that) myself, I’ve had a difficult time dealing with my day-to-day life. A day I’m hyped about my projects and the next day, well you know I procrastinate.

As the deadlines arrive, I push myself hard, I regret and promise myself that I’m never again doing this but we all know how it turns out.

For the long haul, I didn’t even realize that I had some issues or that procrastination was a problem because I was used to it. I had accepted the fact that it was what it was until the habit started hampering my personal, occupational and social functioning. So, I took a profound time to think about it, realize it, and work for it.

Overcoming procrastination is not something that you do one day, and TADAA, you’re an expert the next day. Instead, overcoming delaying tactics is a daily effort. 

I researched, practiced, and thereupon decided to share with others as well. Let’s!!

Procrastination simply is the act of delaying or postponing something, typically something that needs to be done. It is a common tendency to put off tasks or responsibilities, even when we know we should be doing them.

Procrastination can take many forms, such as dithering on starting a new project, delaying completing a task that has already been started, or failing to follow through on commitments. 

It can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of motivation, difficulty or uncertainty about how to complete the task, distractions or competing demands for time and attention, and negative beliefs about one's ability to complete the task.

A lot of us know the fact that we overthink. However, we’re unable to recognize it as a problem.

Well, you may think procrastination helps you but there is little evidence to suggest that it has any positive effects. While it may provide a temporary sense of relief or avoidance of unpleasant tasks, the negative consequences of the act far outweigh any potential benefits.

Procrastination can lead to reduced productivity, increased stress, feelings of guilt and shame, and interference with personal and professional goals. It can also have negative impacts on physical and mental health.

It is generally best to address procrastination and work to overcome it to lead a more productive and fulfilling life.

So why is procrastination a problem? Let’s look into it.

Negative Effects

Procrastination can have several negative consequences. Some of the problems associated with it include:

1.Reduced productivity:

Procrastination leads to a lack of progress on important tasks, which can lower overall productivity.

2.Increased stress: 

Putting off tasks can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress as the deadline approaches.

3.Feelings of guilt and shame: 

Vacillation often guides feelings of guilt and shame, along with a lack of self-esteem and confidence.

4.Interference with personal and professional goals: 

Humming and hawing interfere with the ability to achieve personal and professional goals and negatively impact relationships with others.

5.Health problems: 

Chronic procrastination can lead to increased stress, which can have negative effects on physical and mental health. ( in a whisper: Gastritis, Anxiety, and Mood Swings are on the way.)

Once we understand that our behavior has a certain problem, the next step is to accept and find out the causes.

Causes

It is said that no trees grow without a seed. What’s the seed of your procrastination? 

Since causes can differ from person to person, below are some common ones:

1.Lack of motivation or interest in the task at hand: 

When a person lacks the motivation to complete a task, they are less likely to start or finish it.

2.Difficulty or uncertainty about how to complete the task: 

If a person is unsure about how to complete a task, they’ll put it off until they feel more confident or knowledgeable about how to do it.

3.Fear of failure or fear of success: 

Some people may procrastinate because they are afraid of failing or succeeding at a task. They may be afraid of the consequences of failure or the pressure that comes with success.

4.Distractions or competing demands for time and attention: 

It can be easy to get sidetracked by other tasks, responsibilities, or distractions. This can lead to procrastination on important tasks.

5.Perfectionism or an inability to accept less-than-perfect results: 

Some people struggle to start or finish a task because they are perfectionists and believe that their work must be perfect.

6.Negative beliefs about one's ability to complete the task: 

If a person has negative beliefs about their ability to complete a task, they may be less likely to try or follow through on it.

7.Poor time management skills or an inability to prioritize tasks: 

Procrastination can also be caused by poor time management skills or an inability to prioritize tasks effectively. This can lead to tasks being put off or delayed. 

The third step is to understand the cause and have the willingness, ability, and desire to change that or work for the betterment. 

Proper Way to Overcome Procrastination:

Several measures can be taken to address procrastination. 

Here are tried and tested ways. Nevertheless, only follow the ones that resonate with you.

1.Set specific and achievable goals: 

Setting clear and achievable goals can help focus your efforts and make the task at hand feel more manageable.

2.Break the task down into smaller steps: 

Breaking a larger task down into smaller, more manageable steps can make it feel less overwhelming.

3.Create a schedule: 

Planning out your time and setting deadlines for tasks can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

4.Eliminate distractions: 

Removing distractions, such as turning off your phone or finding a quiet place to work, help you stay focused on the task at hand.

5.Use positive self-talk: 

Positive self-talk helps boost your motivation and confidence. Try telling yourself that you are capable of completing the task and that you will feel good once it is done.

6.Seek support: 

Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help overcome procrastination. They can offer encouragement and accountability, and help you identify any underlying issues that may be causing it.

7.Use rewards: 

Giving yourself rewards for completing tasks can help motivate you to get started and stay on track.

8.Seek professional help: 

If you find that your procrastination is causing significant problems in your life, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a mental health professional, who can help you identify the underlying causes of your hesitation and develop coping strategies to overcome it.

Conclusion

Procrastination is a common problem that can have negative consequences on productivity, stress levels, and overall well-being. 

As the saying goes, "Procrastination is the thief of time" (Edward Young). It is important to address procrastination and work to overcome it to lead a more productive and fulfilling life. Even Benjamin Franklin once said, "You may delay, but time will not." By taking action and addressing procrastination, we can move forward and achieve our goals. 

Don't let procrastination hold you back from reaching your full potential. Take control of your time and make the most of it every day!

“Puff out your chest, take a deep breath. You’re gonna be okay. Is it loud in your mind? Just take your time, You’re gonna be okay”.

-Ashh Blackwood