|
|
|
7 Reasons We Procrastinate and Strategies to Overcome Them |
|
|
|
Ask anyone and they will tell you they have been guilty of
it at one time or another. Some find it exhilarating while
others find it stressful. What is it? It’s procrastination,
the formal term for putting off or avoiding a task or work
that needs to be completed, usually within a specific
timeframe.
Ask anyone and they will tell you they have been guilty of
it at one time or another. Some find it exhilarating while
others find it stressful. What is it? It’s procrastination,
the formal term for putting off or avoiding a task or work
that needs to be completed, usually within a specific
timeframe.
Very few actually describe procrastination as exhilarating.
I for one, fall in the “procrastination is stressful”
category. However, procrastination can be used to advantage
if you understand why you procrastinate.
So, why do we procrastinate? Some might conclude that it is
laziness but the men and women that I spoke with hardly
fall into that category. In most instances their reasons
for procrastination included one of the following:
1. Guilt -I just don’t want to do it
2. Inadequacy -I don’t know how to do it or I’m afraid I
won’t do it well
3. Fear -I’m afraid of what the outcome might be or I’m
uncertain of the outcome
4. Irrelevant -It’s not important to me
5. Time Management -I have plenty of time to get this done
6. Perfectionism -I won’t be able to meet my high standards
7. Ambiguity -I’m not sure what needs to be done
Many of the individuals I spoke with told me that they
often experience at least one or a combination of these
factors when procrastinating. So, is it hopeless? Of course
not! Some of the most successful people I know
procrastinate and are still successful in completing tasks.
Here are some tips that you can use.
First, identify and acknowledge what is causing you to
procrastinate in the first place. Write it down and analyze
it. This will help you put your concerns for completing a
task or job into perspective. Then, visualize yourself
completing the task successfully. Athletes have long been
known to visualize themselves in making a difficult shot or
winning a competition. This can certainly work for you.
Once you have analyzed your reasons for procrastination,
then break the task down into manageable components. Often
the overall job can be overwhelming but once you begin to
break it down, tasks have a way of becoming more manageable
and doable. In addition, this allows you to determine if
there are components that you can delegate or components
where others can coach you or provide you with other kinds
of support.
And finally, determine what it will take to motivate you to
complete the task at hand. Having a meaningful reward
mechanism in place helps. One woman I spoke with said, “If
I didn’t create opportunities to reward myself, I would
never get the tasks completed.” For some tasks it might be
as simple as allowing yourself to take a break upon
completion, for another it might be treating yourself to a
special lunch or a special purchase. Whatever it is, find
something that is meaningful for you.
Understanding why you procrastinate and then employing some
of these tips will help you take the stress out of getting
things done. So, what are you waiting for?
Note: For the record, I'm delighted to report that I did
NOT procrastinate in writing this article!
About the Author:
Regina Barr is a management consultant and speaker who
helps companies develop strategies to attract, develop and
retain women leaders. Sign up for her FREE Ezine,
Developing People...Inspiring Success at
http://www.RedLadder.com .
|
If you found an article helpful why not take a moment to share it with others: Digg this | Post to del.icio.us
Useful Resources
Unlock The Hidden Power Of Your Subconscious
What if I can place in your hands an innovative piece of new technology that can unlock the hidden genius inside you… increase your creativity... and eliminate the negative 'voices' in your head that are holding you back from reaching your full potential?
Affirmation Goal Setting Software
Affirmations have long been recognized as a powerful tool in manifesting desires. That's because the subconscious mind cannot differentiate between actual reality and suggestions. Therefore, it processes suggestions (or affirmations) as being real -- and goes about using its powerful creative ability -- and that of the nervous system -- to actualize those affirmations.
Discover The Science Of Success
Learn the tools that will help you create happiness, wealth and success in your life. Learning to become successful is like any other skill in life, it requires time, effort but most importantly the right knowledge.
|
