The Reasons We Procrastinate and How To Beat It

Procrastination is an age old habit with most of us. We love to tell ourselves that we will put it off until the very last minute, but when this is really not possible anymore we begin to get into panic mode and rush to complete our task before the deadline situation.

Many a time we tell ourselves ''I'll just do it later as there is plenty of time.'' Before we know it time has flown past and we are pretty much faced with the reality of our incomplete task looming large in our face.

WHY DO WE PROCRASTINATE

Procrastination is actually a way our mind finds of coping with emotions we cannot deal with. They could almost be symptoms that accompany depression. It brings temporary relief because it is an easy habit to fall into as a panic mode. Our coping mechanism makes us avoid reality. But as we learn to avoid performing on time, and languish around, panic and depression begin to loom larger. Research says, that mostly students tend to procrastinate, as they have many deadlines to cope with.

No matter how well organized we are, we do fritter away time while either watching T.V. spending time on Facebook or Whatsapp or doing foolish unimportant tasks as a distraction. This provides a kind of solace that we are gainfully using out time.

 

There are of course many factors that contribute towards procrastination mode. Broadly speaking we can attribute our procrastinating habit to the following reasons

1. Routine makes you rebellious

2. You fear disapproval

3.Task to be handled seems overwhelming

4. Organizing yourself seems like an uphill task.

These factors are further ruled by the following reasons that we can locate

HABITS

Over the years it is like an auto response. The mind is used to a certain type of behaviour. It is like an ingrained feeling, you just wake up to it continuously as a habit.

SELF DOUBT

Procrastinators are normally idealists with very rigid views of life. They delay taking action as they want to meet their own high standards.

AVOID ANXIETY

Many times we feel that certain activities will cause us anxiety. In order to avoid this sense of discomfort we put it off as long as possible.

PERSONAL GUILT

People feel guilty over delays etc. Personal guilt is best avoided by them as they can't handle emotional discomfort, so they keep putting it off rather than facing it.

BEATING PROCRASTINATION

Managing time is extremely essential in today’s fast track world. So in order to beat the procrastination mode we need to follow certain rules on our own

GET ORGANIZED

Most important is to keep a simple organized schedule. Follow the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid). The more you complicate your tasks the more you start avoiding them.

MAKE LISTS

Making lists makes you realize what you need to accomplish. This is the most practical way as it leads you to know which are the tasks that need to be handled.

PRIORITIZE

Once you know what is to be done, put everything in perspective priority wise. Eg paying bills on time, cleaning cupboards, watching your favourite T.V. show.

CALENDAR

Put everything date wise on a calendar. This keeps you organized, gives clarity of mind and puts things in perspective.

DO THE EASY THINGS FIRST

As you begin to finish the easier tasks first the burden seems to lesson and you find doing the harder things much simpler and easier.

CHANGE EXPECTATIONS

Do not evaluate yourself constantly. Trying to meet your perfectionism standards is very draining. Try to find comfortable standards.

COPING STRATEGIES

Since most of us create unnecessary stress due to our procrastination habits, we need to find ways to handle this negative habit and turn it into a positive attitudinal factor in our lives.

Procrastination only delays all the joyful feelings. Learn to stop procrastinating and walk on the joyous path of a stress free joyous existence.