Is Procrastinating Becoming Your New Lifestyle?
We all know that being a procrastinator is a challenge for us. We put off the things we know we need to do because there is something about it that, let’s face it, doesn’t feel good or we would do it, right?
When you hear the word “procrastination,” you might imagine a pile of unpaid bills, a project you just can’t get started, an extension form for taxes that were due on April 15, people showing up late, an expired auto-inspection sticker, a disorganized closet, or telling yourself that you will respond to something important such as returning a phone call, or sending that birthday card, and then forgetting to follow through. These are classic examples of procrastination. Others include the beneficial ones such as, promising yourself that you will start eating better and exercising, starting a new hobby. Or perhaps it’s facing a fear like talking to your boss for a raise or asking someone out on a date because you think you know it will be a negative response. The feeling associated with the action you need to take feels like fear or pain. We don’t want to feel those feelings, so we avoid them. Most of the time these feeling are magnified and doing what we need to do isn’t going to be as fearful or painful as we think they will.
This discussion about what can be done about procrastination for a very long time and there are many approaches to what can help. Few of us escape the perils of procrastination. Sixty percent of college students consider procrastination a habit serious enough to require help in overcoming it. Fortunately, there is a great deal you can do to curb your procrastination impulses, to take charge of your life.
Here are some effective ways that can help you stop procrastination from becoming your new lifestyle:
First, admit that you are experiencing procrastination and face it. If it is happening over and over again, it needs your attention. Ask for help from a professional, so it doesn’t become a lifelong habit.
All change begins in the mind. Begin to change the way you look at the things you keep putting off.
Ask yourself these questions and write out the answers. Writing helps to create an awareness of what’s underneath and brings it up for attention. When we become aware, we become involved.
- Why am I putting off___________?
- How do I feel when I put off_________?
- What am I afraid of if I take the action about________?
- How would it feel if I accomplished________?
- Who would I be if I accomplished___________?
Look at your answers and read them over. When you take a step toward improvement, it becomes easier to keep going.
For example: If you are procrastinating about exercising and you feel bad about it, first face it and allow for that you recognize that you are putting off. Then, ask and answer the questions above on paper.
For instance:
Why am I putting off exercising?
‘I am putting off exercising because I would rather stay in bed or not have to do it after work. I never have the energy and I just don’t want to exercise.’ Be honest.
How do I feel when I put off exercising?
‘I feel bad about myself. I know I should. It’s important to be active to be healthy. I feel like I’m lazy and unmotivated and not able to start.’ Replace these with, ‘I know it’s possible for me to get started and I am willing.’ A very good way to get going is to use visualization. See yourself getting out of bed and putting on your workout clothes and sneakers. Take an action such as putting your exercise clothes and sneakers out where you will see them.
What am I afraid of if I take this action?
‘I am afraid that I will lose some people in life when I take better care of myself. I am afraid that when I get into shape, some people in my life will be jealous.’
How Would it feel if I started to exercise?
‘I would feel great! I would feel that I did something very good for myself. I would feel more energy. I would feel that I am taking the first step toward taking better care of myself.’
Who would I be if I accomplished starting to exercise?
‘I would be someone who cares about their health and makes exercise an important new habit. I would be someone who feels great about how I look and feel. I would be someone who has the energy to do what I need to do at work and at home.’
Just these simple steps will help to create a new way of living that isn’t being controlled by procrastination. Try it out on everything you are putting off. You will be surprised at how easy change can be when you create a new mindset for success. And, remember to celebrate the small wins!
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