Managing procrastination!

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Managing procrastination! / 073, 22.04.2023

Procrastination?is defined as the act of unnecessarily postponing decisions or actions – like delaying work until?right before the deadline. It is not laziness, since even sincere, hard-working people are prone to bouts of procrastination. It is indeed rather common. While it cannot be eliminated altogether, it can certainly be well managed within limits. All we need is a better understanding of procrastination (the WHAT, the WHY and the HOW). Do read on!

THE WHAT

Apparently, there are three different types of procrastination, according to author Rory Vaden. Let us look at them for better understanding of what are the different types of procrastination:

• Classic procrastination – the regular kind, delaying for no specific reason, even when we know we shouldn’t be! For e.g., we have to clear away all those letters and bills that have piled up, but instead, we continue to ignore it.
• Creative avoidance – doing something else instead of what we really should be doing. For e.g., there is an important plan or presentation to be done, but instead of beginning that task, we take an extended coffee break.
• Priority Dilution – we convince ourselves that the urgent task is not so important, and that it can wait. We may even rationalise that since others are not ready yet, the deadline may be extended.?

THE WHY

So why do we procrastinate, even when we know it will never benefit us in any way? One of the reasons is lack of enjoyment in doing that particular task. Other reasons could be a lack of skills / of confidence / of motivation / of a structured schedule, or multiple distractions, or even perfectionism (I will do it only when I have all the data validated and ready). These are all common triggers that activate procrastination, and depending on the nature of the task, the triggers might change for us.

THE HOW

How do we manage this better, and keep it within limits? The good news is that procrastination is not incurable; with awareness we can keep it within limits so that it does not affect our work or personal life. Three simple steps form the ACT method which can help us manage better:

Awareness: be aware of our triggers, why are we procrastinating doing a specific task. Is it because we are unable to do it, or because we are afraid of the feedback we will get, or is it because we want to be perfect in every way? Or is it just that we do not feel like it? Identifying our personal trigger is the first step. Once we are aware, we can anticipate better, and work around it.

Calendarize: Today working professionals are driven by the calendar. Cluster and mix up your tasks, keeping the ‘trigger’-causing tasks in between more exciting ones. Also start on the most difficult task when you are feeling fresh and energised.

Take the first step: Very often, what feels like a heavy chore becomes easier when we just start doing it. Getting started is arguably the most difficult step. So even if we do not feel like it, just getting started might help us finish it in time.

I hope you enjoyed reading this one, and as always, I request you to share your own thoughts and experiences in the comments section. Let us build a conversation on this topic!

Warm regards, Krishnakumar.

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Image courtesy:

How to Stop Procrastination - Manastha

References:

Procrastination: Definition, Examples, Solutions, and More – Solving Procrastination

Procrastination | Psychology Today

Rory Vaden | The 3 Types of Procrastination | Creative Avoidance (lewishowes.com)

The Real Reason You’re Procrastinating | McLean Hospital