Recently, I decided that my blog page needed to be refreshed. As I was working on this, I noticed that I had not posted to the blog since July. WHAT? How did this happen? I have a schedule, a plan, a commitment! I am not a procrastinator! And yet, here I am. Procrastination happens. To all of us.
Procrastination is generally defined as putting off task for another time or delaying completion of a task. If you are like me, you have multiple competing demands and are always juggling priorities. Crises happen, certain tasks take on more importance in the moment and things fall off the list inadvertently. As I was thinking about this, I came across a great article by James Clear about the scientific reasons we procrastinate. He presents the concept of “time inconsistency”, the tendency to value present over future rewards. Setting goals makes plans for your “future self”. Your “present self” is the part of you that actually takes action. While you can see the benefit in your long-term goals and have good intentions, taking action is affected by mood, events of the day, your personal level of impulsivity and a variety of other factors. (https://jamesclear.com/procrastination#Why%20Do%20We%20Procrastinate) Here is a case in point: I know French fries are bad for my cholesterol, my stomach and weight. But if I have had a stressful day those French fries are calling and I’m in the line at the drive through anyway! That moment of salty satisfaction overpowers the regrets I know I will have tomorrow.
So, what steps can be taken to combat procrastination? First, try to realistically evaluate the importance of the task. This helps to prioritize what needs to be done. I mean, does it really matter if I mow the lawn today or tomorrow? Probably not but if I think this same thought every day for 30 days during the summer months, the lawn becomes a bigger priority and possibly a crisis. Next, look at the underlying reasons for procrastination. Some people avoid mowing the lawn because they find it to be a monotonous, dirty job. I like mowing the lawn because I can actually see my accomplishment. This is important to me working in a field where there are few tangible signs of accomplishment or progress. Because of the value it provides me, I’m less likely to procrastinate about mowing. In general, if I feel good about a task or feel competent at it, I just do it. Regularly reviewing your values related to your personal and work lives can help you set a few larger goals to work within when setting smaller more manageable goals. I went to a training once where the trainer encouraged people to keep three to do lists: monthly, weekly and daily. While I have not been totally successful at that, I find that the concept keeps me focused and less overwhelmed when I can see accomplishments in the short term and long term. Remember too that in some ways procrastination can be helpful. Knowing what time of the day you are more alert and productive can help you structure your time more efficiently. If you are unfocused and tired, you are not likely to do your best work.
Finally, stop shaming yourself for procrastinating. Shoulda, coulda, woulda is never helpful. Every day gives you an opportunity for a fresh start. Procrastination is opportunity’s assassin-Victor Kiam
