Why We Procrastinate

They say the first step to dealing with any issue is to accept that the issue exists. For as long as one does not acknowledge a problem as a problem, they are not likely to seek help for it.

So here is my acknowledgment … I tend to procrastinate! There, I’ve said it and unfortunately, it’s really true. I have this habit of leaving things till the last minute even when I am not so busy. I don’t really know where it comes from, but I must admit it’s been like that for a long time now. I used to think I only procrastinate on things I don’t like but now I realise its more pervasive than that. For example, I enjoy writing and yet look at how long it has taken for me to finish and share this blog.

Procrastination has been defined as the act of ‘unnecessarily delaying or even postponing some action or decision’. Now, I know I am not alone in this. This is one of those habits/practices that people are aware of, will even own up to but do not seem to know how to stop. I’m afraid I am not here to offer you solutions on how to stop, I am just curious about why people (why WE) procrastinate.

In my search I have come across two key themes for why we procrastinate. I would like to explore these in the hope that we can start getting a sense of what the fix could be. I do not claim to be an expert on why we procrastinate but I submit I may be one of the seasoned procrastinators if there is ever such a thing. So, this serves as one of those reflections where I do not have a solution and will appreciate some advice from those of you who have it sorted. The two themes identified are about behaviour or habits and about mindset or attitude.

Our behaviour reflects the habits we have allowed ourselves over time and is largely learned. Some of the habits or learned behaviours which lead to procrastination are:

• Poor planning or structure – it is difficult to get anything done when one is disorganised. When there is no clear plan it makes it difficult to know where or even how to get started.

• Lack of self discipline – sometimes one just can’t get themselves to sit down and get started. They will make excuses or keep busy with other things instead of doing the things that actually need to be done.

• Poor time management – when there is no sense of urgency or no respect for time, then people tend to put things off believing they will get to them later.

• Lack of preparedness – not doing the small things that will enable the big thing that needs to be done, can lead to unnecessary delays.

When it comes to mindset we are talking about the thoughts and feelings that one carries. These are not always conscious although they do have impact on how one shows up.

• Overthinking – if you anything like me you will overthink and overanalyse and over plan (in your head) without really getting to feeling ready to start. This is especially true if the thing that needs to be done is really big or will have really significant consequences.

• Perfectionism – at times we delay starting until we are sure it will be perfect, the challenge is that no one can guarantee perfection. This leads to unnecessary delays.

• No pride – when one does not care about how the thing that needs to be done will reflect on them, when they are not too worried about quality, then the thing to be done is likely to be left until the last minute.

• Adrenalin junky – there are people who like living on the edge and experience some pleasure in how they ‘almost’ missed it or ‘almost’ got into trouble. There is a sense of danger attached to playing on the edge like that and there are hormones, mainly adrenalin, released when one is under pressure. There are those who become addicted to that excitement.

• No emotional connection – when something is merely a job or duty and there is no emotional connection or investment in the outcome. When it is important to someone else but not you, then one can drag their feet putting it off until last minute.

• Fear of failure – at times we are so emotionally invested in the outcome that we believe our identity is linked to it. When you are so worried about what people will think of your delivery, that it can make or break you, then procrastination may look like a better option in that one would rather admit to not having started or tried than admit to having tried and failed.

• Fear of success – there is a fear of the unknown that comes with success. Research actually shows that the fear of success, whilst not as obvious, is just as common as the fear of failure. People sabotage themselves more often than they realise. The term ‘imposter syndrome’ refers to the phenomenon where people who have succeeded do not believe that they deserve the success. They see it as just luck and live in fear of not being able to attain the same level of success again. This may cause some people to procrastinate and not get started on something, not because they are not ready but because deep down they fear or do not believe they deserve the success that will come with it.

They say procrastination is a thief of time but when we look deeper we realise that it is much more profound than just poor use of time, it says a lot more about you, your bad habits and unhealthy mindset.