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We all procrastinate to some level, don’t we?  Whether we are putting off that important, or not-so-important, project or task, many of us seem to find a way to create the perfect excuses to justify leaving ‘it’ just one more day…

I fought with procrastination during college and early in my career and admit that I read books and articles on the subject but wasn’t really satisfied with the information I was finding.  It was self discovery and analysis that eventually pushed me to overcome it…  The books and articles influenced me, no doubt, as I worked to overcome procrastination, however, as with nearly all self improvement/development efforts, it was self reflection, honest analysis, and commitment that really helped me.

But really, what more can I offer with all the information that is out there on the subject of procrastination?  Simply put, none of that information shares what worked for me, in practice.

Many articles would offer advice like de-cluttering life and listing and prioritizing tasks and projects… they would go on to encourage and offer tips on how to stay focused on the steps necessary to complete tasks and, perhaps, overcome limiting beliefs or fears.  Still more would advise that celebrating the completion of certain tasks, or some of the more important projects, with enthusiasm would keep a person motivated to move on and complete the next thing on the list.  Some even argued the positive aspects of procrastination and the merits of working under self-imposed pressure… ‘structured procrastination’?

This is all good information and I have used all of it with employees, colleagues, and other associates when the subject of overcoming procrastination comes up.

But there’s more to it. For me, I allowed myself to become the perfect procrastinator.  Those of us that are perfectionists seem to be able to take procrastination to a whole new level… and, while I do work well under pressure, I thought that self-imposed pressure seemed more like self-imposed, and undue, stress in life.

I would start a project only to come to a grinding halt midway to the goal simply because some unforeseen circumstance forced me to deviate from the ‘perfect’ means of achieving that outcome.  The biggest issue in all this is that a so-called perfect outcome is only a perception of perfection in one person’s mind… MINE!  When it appeared that I was not going to achieve the goal in the way I made up in my mind, I started to make excuses for delaying action.

Furthermore, especially in my college days and early on in my career, I would try to be everything to everybody… often making commitments that were beyond my ability to deliver in a healthy way.  Everything on my list would be top priority and everything had a desired ‘perfect’ means to completion.  The problem, of course, was that there wasn’t 36 hours in every day to devote to all those commitments.

Procrastination also feeds on itself.  When I procrastinated and still delivered an acceptable result on the task or project I was working on, I put myself into a position of reinforcing the habit of delaying action.  This compelled me to do it again on the next task or responsibility.

Through self discovery and honest analysis, it was clear to me that I was my own worst enemy.  Choosing, instead, to challenge my thoughts and not believe the excuses or barriers I was placing in front of myself is what enabled me to overcome this stressful habit.

Challenge your thoughts!

Thought: I can’t work on this very important and, perhaps, uncomfortable priority A task because this other, also important, priority B task needs to be taken care of.

Prioritize! The result of convincing yourself you can put off task A in favour of task B is self-imposed stress and, you guessed it, procrastination.  Be honest with yourself and stick to the priorities.  Set a goal to make it to a certain point in accomplishing your priority A tasks before you place too much focus on other tasks.

Thought: I do my best work under pressure.

Working well under pressure is a valuable trait to have and, speaking from experience, a sought after ability many managers seek in their employees.  Using this ability as an excuse to put off tasks, however, is procrastination and is self-imposed and undue stress in your life.  Use this ability as it is intended… take care of your responsibilities early so you are available to focus on those pressure cooker tasks that may pop up later.

Thought: Because of circumstances beyond my control, I can’t achieve the desired outcome the way I want to.

This is classic perfectionism and an underlying theme of this blog… Life Happens! Get used to it, accept it, and stop using it as an excuse to prevent you from taking action in your life.  Resist the temptation to use excuses like these to convince yourself you’re unable to proceed or make progress on important responsibilities.  Be accountable to yourself and those counting on you to contribute or make a deadline.

Thought: There’s too much to do and not enough time to do it.

Resist any temptation you have to take on so much that it becomes beyond your ability to deliver.  Again, prioritize and focus on those activities that will make progress on those responsibilities that are most important to you.  Again, be honest with yourself.  Ask for help.  If you find yourself with too much on your plate, engage those close to you for help.  Even if you relinquish some of your lower priority tasks you could find taking care of your high priorities is more manageable.

Why do you procrastinate and what do you do to overcome it?  COMMENT NOW!

Regards,
@DarrenSproat