Procrastination Gets a Bad Rap

The intersectionality involved in being a black, female, Caribbean, and first-generation immigrant has created the perfect storm for having a poor relationship with the concept of productivity. Not only am I a high achiever, but team that with the cultural themes of always having to be seen to be busy, resting isn’t something that is second nature.

The Cambridge Dictionary describes procrastination as the act of delaying something that must be done, mainly due to it being unpleasant or boring. I am 100% guilty, due to my days being so full I have found joy in ordering an active day with the tasks that I love as a priority leaving the less enjoyable ones towards the end of the day meaning I am less likely to get to them done. This at times has supported in creating an identity that has made me call myself lazy when I haven’t spent the majority of the day achieving tasks. When I look at my cortisol levels, it’s ABSURD! and has made me think more deeply about procrastination and the reasons why we are unproductive.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

Procrastination is a lot more complex than picking the easier tasks over the mundane drawn out ones. Some of the reasons why we might procrastinate are:

• Fear of Failure: Scared of the inability to meet expectations or the possibility of failure can paralyse us, leading to procrastination.
• Perfectionism: Striving to be effortless can lead to procrastination as we fear that our work won’t be good enough.
• Lack of Motivation: If we feel demotivated overall we can find it difficult to start any task and lack the motivation to start.
• Overwhelm: When faced with a large or complex task, we may feel overwhelmed and avoid it altogether.
• Lack of Prioritisation: Not knowing what tasks are most important can lead to procrastination as we struggle to decide where to start.

The Power of Curiosity

The problem with human beings is that we are programmed not to ask questions. As much as the powers at be may believe it is good for political business, it truly has a larger effect on us personally as we lose the volume on the inner voice when we are problem solving. When feeling uninspired by a duty, approach it with curiosity. Ask yourself: “What is preventing me from starting this task?” “What emotions am I experiencing?” “What can I do to make this task more enjoyable?”By approaching procrastination with curiosity, we gain valuable insights into our own behavior and develop strategies to overcome it. Remember, procrastination is a common human experience. It’s not a sign of laziness or a lack of willpower. By understanding what causes it and implementing effective strategies, we can overcome procrastination and live a more productive and fulfilling life.

Reframing Procrastination

If you ask me procrastination is so common because we have the privilege of choice. And although at times having too many options isn’t always the best, an array of outcomes means we are more informed in what we can do to help ourselves. There are many moments where “procrastinating” over a responsibility has been helpful as quick action can also lead to making a mistake or causing a tense situation. Instead of beating ourselves up for procrastinating, we can reframe it as a signal that something is amiss. Here are some strategies to help you overcome procrastination:

• Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism. Remember that everyone procrastinates at times and there could be a reason as to why you shouldn’t react.
• Identify the Root Cause: Take time to understand the underlying reasons for your procrastination. Is it fear? lack of motivation? or something else?
• Break Down Tasks: Divide large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make them less daunting and easier to tackle.
• Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals and avoid overloading your schedule so you don’t think you aren’t getting closer to success
• Create a Productive Environment: Minimise distractions and create a workspace that inspires you free from those beloved recreational activities
• Reward Yourself: Reward yourself for completing tasks to stay motivated. Take a break and do something you love
• Embrace Imperfection: We all make mistakes. Don’t let the fear of imperfection hold you back
• Use a Productivity App: Use a productivity app to track your tasks and stay organised
• Find an Accountability Partner: Share your goals with the encouraging members of your community to stay motivated
• Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve your productivity
• Learn to Say No: Don’t overcommit yourself
• Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy to reduce stress and boost your mood

I am such a warrior that whenever I am faced with an issue, my instincts throw me into attack mode, finding every weapon possible to take down whatever is in my way. Thank God for old age slowing me down, teaching me patience and the value of taking time to respond. Sometimes, the best strategy is to step back, take a breath, and approach the problem with a fresh perspective. When we act without thinking the action can cause more harm than it is worth.

Let’s get out of the habit of labeling ourselves lazy, unbothered, or unsuccessful when we are really overwhelmed, tired, or apprehensive. Spending the majority of your days feeling low about not achieving everything you wish by a certain point is a big waste of time because even when we reach those points, we are still looking for the next accolade. Instead of self-criticism, let’s cultivate self-compassion. You owe it to yourself to understand why you aren’t where you want to be so you cn do the right things about being the best version of yourself, plus you are porbably preventing yourself from making a really bad decision.