Do You Procrastinate?

Procrastination can best be described as putting off an action or task, until a later time. Whether it is done directly or indirectly is of no consequence to the avid procrastinator; the simple act of putting it off gives the (false) security that they are in control and will have better resources later. This may be true in some cases; for example, if you are in the process of learning a new skill, finding a new venture, or learning from a particular experience. However, the major drawbacks are apparent in the long-term; unfinished projects, drawn-out tasks for no apparent reason, and an inability to move forward with current or specific goals.

But procrastination does have its upside. It lets the procrastinator literally delay the expectation, or uncomfortable feelings, of failure. As it puts off the activity entirely, the procrastinator can hyperfocus on other goals; perhaps ‘deleting’ the initial task completely from their minds, even if only temporarily. Procrastination serves us in the way that it enables us to reduce, or temporary relieve anxiety and fear about a situation.

Many procrastinators resort to ‘easier’ tasks instead; super-cleaning, organizing, pursuing a brand new hobby, rearranging the desk or office, even redecorating an entire room or house. Sound familiar? You ,or someone you know, could be on the procrastinating track. Theses are all constructive activities, and with procrastination-fuel to encourage them, these tasks can even turn into admirable accomplishments. However, the procrastinator knows the true nature of his or her reasoning behind the action; and this can lead to more problems as the deadline approaches. With the pressure on, the procrastinator suddenly ‘wakes up’ and the adrenaline rush is just powerful enough to get them through the final stages of the task. The hyperfocus and strength is suddenly infused within them, and they complete the task just in time. The adrenaline rush is very real, and very addictive. It helps to perpetuate the procrastination over, and over, and over again.

Procrastination lives on adrenaline; there is no doubt that adrenaline provides the buzz and impetus to action, and can lead to greater things. In order to actually accomplish goals, however, procrastinators need to set short deadlines and focus on one task at a time. Making lists is one opportunity to do this, but only short-term lists that can be tackled, crossed off, then re-made are valuable. Procrastination does not deliver on declared plans; more often than not, any outcome or achievement is probably a result of procrastinating something else! The procrastinator is capable of multiple achievements in this sense, but needs to learn how to keep things in perspective and continue moving and working. Stopping is not an option, and most procrastinators know this deep down; although often spurred by depression, anxiety, or tension, the procrastinator can be valuable contributors towards their goals.

Most procrastinators are, in fact, performance-driven; although not like their overdriven counterparts, procrastinators do focus on how their performance or productivity relates to their self-worth. And this is perhaps one of the very reasons that gives them the ‘pluses’ of this coping style; if they are able to buy time through their behavior, they can delay the expectation, or even realization of failure. This undermines their true abilities with significant impact, and until the procrastinator realizes this, they will not move on from their current situation and ability to achieve, perform, or become stronger.

Embracing challenges, creating goals, expecting difficulty, and being resourceful to overcome obstacles are the keys to success in most endeavors. It is not that the procrastinator does not know this; instead, the procrastinator needs to acknowledge their coping patterns, and in essence restructure their own goals and approach to achievement. Although this is a long-term approach, it can have short-term consequences that most procrastinators can look forward to; by being able to see their goals and plans realized, no matter how small, may just perpetuate a healthier goal-achieving cycle. Identify the procrastinator in you, and ask yourself what purpose procrastination serves in your life!