Overcoming Procrastination: Taking Action For Personal Growth
You know there’s that thing that needs to get done. That thing you should be doing. You know exactly how to start and why you should do it, but somehow you find yourself not.
Whether you’re scrolling through social media, cleaning the house, playing endlessly with your cat, or reading the news for the millionth time today, you are officially procrastinating—maybe even by reading this blog post.
If you would describe yourself as a procrastinator, you’re not alone. Research suggests that approximately 20% of adults are chronic procrastinators, while a much higher percentage procrastinate occasionally.
Why do we procrastinate, and how can we take action to change this detrimental habit and improve our personal growth? Let’s take a peek.
What Is Procrastination?
Simply put, procrastination is the act of postponing, delaying, or putting off tasks that need to be done. From taking out the trash to submitting a report to seeing the dentist, we all have those jobs, obligations, and commitments that make us want to postpone or ignore them. When we act on that impulse, it’s called procrastination.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
Why do we procrastinate? The reasons are vast and varied. Below are four of the most common:
Task Aversion
Not much to unpack here. If you don’t enjoy a task, chances are you’re going to find ways to avoid it.
Anxiety or Other Negative Emotions
This one’s a little more complex. If you feel fearful about the potential outcome of a task you have to do, you may keep stalling to avoid the possibility of failure or other negative consequences. Poor mental health can also contribute to procrastination, as can lack of motivation.
Overwhelm
If you’ve got too many tasks on your plate and you don’t know where to begin, procrastination can kick in. It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes, the human response to overwhelm is to lose energy and shut down.
Distractions
If you have a lot of distractions around you, procrastination may creep into your life more readily. Particularly if the deadline for the task you have to complete is not immediate, other more interesting distractions may take precedence without you even realizing it.
Practical Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination
Ready to overcome procrastination and move forward on the road to reclaiming your time? Here are some actionable strategies:
Emotional Regulation
When you’re feeling good, you’re more likely to stay focused on your goals. Take care of your mental health so that you can successfully come at tasks from a place of stability, positivity, and strength.
Healthy Habits
Everything—including busting procrastination—is more achievable when you take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise regularly, and don’t forget to make time for the things that make you happy (just not when you’re supposed to be doing something else).
Organization and Time Management
This is a big one. Make a schedule and stick to it. Prioritize important tasks or tasks with upcoming deadlines. Break overwhelming tasks into smaller pieces. Repeat.
Reward Yourself
Celebrate milestones you’ve accomplished, no matter how big or small they may be, and then indulge guilt-free in some well-earned rest and relaxation.
Practice Self-Care To Overcome Procrastination
Practicing self-care can improve your mental and physical health and help you overcome the habit of procrastination. Ready to reward yourself for a task well done with some extra love and pampering? Enjoy a Winnipeg body sugaring experience at Bare Body Sugaring. We look forward to meeting you!
