Procrastination — it’s something we’ve all suffered from at one time or another. There are several underlying factors that cause procrastination, and many people may not realize the severity of their procrastination habits. Procrastination may start with setting aside a task until tomorrow, and may end with the thought, “should I just pay someone to do my coursework?” Wherever you land on the spectrum, it’s worth checking out the below information on procrastination, and what you can do to break the habit.
What is procrastination?
Procrastination can be simply defined as putting off something that needs to be done. It can be anything from simple chores to tasks at work to studying for important school exams.
Where does it come from?
One of the main reasons people procrastinate is because they are afraid of failure. This comes from high expectations we may have for ourselves. It may sound counterintuitive, but perfectionists are often the worst procrastinators. A person then begins to think of themselves as a loser, which can affect how much work they are capable of doing their daily lives. It can cause them to slow down, eliminate social or personal interactions, and even depression.
Another source of procrastination is environmental, from anything from lack of sleep, bad nutrition, to a problematic home life. If you’re not getting enough sleep or if you have a poor diet, you’re less likely to have the energy or stamina to get important work done. It’s easier to watch TV and eat junk food, thus continuing the negative cycle.
How do we realistically put a stop to Procrastination?
1. Do not swamp yourself with too many tasks. Step back and make some room for yourself to breathe and think. Do not let too much pile up on your plate. Take everything one step at a time. If people are giving you a hard time because you are putting chores, work or even simple task off, walk away and take time for yourself.
2. Write down the achievements you want to complete. Write a list and complete each item by a certain date and time, so that you end up implementing a strategy to complete the action. Do not get side tracked by others or even yourself. If you feel like you are getting anxious, walk away and gather your thoughts. Do not be afraid of the task at hand. You are your best friend. and friends do not let friends fail!
3. Give yourself a change of scenery. When you feel like you want to quit doing something that needs to be done, take yourself away from it for a minute and gather your thoughts. Taking a mini-vacation from your surroundings may be preventing you from accomplishing your goals.
4. Confide in others about your concerns and achievements. Talk to those who you trust who are concerned about your procrastinating. Discuss your thoughts and share with them your expectations, and ask for any advice and maybe even a helping hand. These are people who may have encouraging words to help you make it through.
5. Do not make things harder than they already are. Sometimes we put the world on our shoulders and think we always have the answer, but in actuality we can make it worse. Keep your goals as simple as possible, and achieve just what you need to. Do not get sidetracked and start complicating things.
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