Have you ever found yourself finding all kinds of excuses to not do that task or thing you know is important and you promised yourself you were going to do?
Maybe it’s that project you’ve been meaning to start, or the gym routine you keep putting off. And after all that, you end up feeling like nothing is really working, or you're being left behind, watching your time slip through your fingers, feeling late, stuck, and unmotivated.
I hear you. I used to feel like that too. I'd plan my day, set my goals, but when the time came to act, I found myself scrolling through social media, reorganising my desk, or suddenly feeling the need to clean the entire house.
And then the guilt would set in. I would be so hard on myself, telling myself I should be more responsible, more proactive, better at managing my time.
I started thinking something was really wrong with me because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't keep up the motivation to get things done.
Ronne Brown wisely said on Twitter “The cost of procrastination is the life you could’ve lived”. That hits hard, right? From all we could live, we end up in a place of doubt and self-criticism, watching our to-do list grow bigger while our achievements board stays low.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
Procrastination isn't just about being lazy or lacking willpower. It's a complex behaviour with various underlying reasons. Understanding these reasons can help us address them more effectively.
Fear of Failure: One of the most common reasons for procrastination is the fear of failure.
When we're scared we might not succeed, we tend to avoid starting the task altogether. This fear can stem from past experiences, high expectations, or a lack of confidence in our abilities.
For example, I used to put off writing blog posts because I feared they wouldn't be good enough. The blank page felt like a mountain I couldn't climb.
Perfectionism: Perfectionism can be paralysing.
When we set unrealistically high standards for ourselves, the fear of not meeting those standards can stop us from even starting. We delay tasks, hoping for the perfect moment or perfect conditions, which rarely come.
I remember spending hours tweaking minor details on a presentation, trying to make it perfect, only to end up missing the deadline.
Overwhelm: Feeling overwhelmed by the size or complexity of a task can lead to procrastination.
When a task seems too big, we don't know where to start, so we put it off. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help reduce this feeling of overwhelm.
I once avoided organising my office because it felt like such a huge job. But once I started with just one drawer, the rest became easier.
Lack of Motivation: If we don't find a task interesting or rewarding, we're less likely to want to do it.
Finding ways to make the task more engaging or connecting it to a bigger goal or reward can help boost motivation.
I used to dread doing financial planning until I linked it to the reward of a holiday I wanted to save for. Suddenly, it became a step towards something exciting.
Decision Fatigue: Making decisions can be exhausting, and when we're faced with too many choices or decisions, we can end up procrastinating.
Simplifying our options and reducing the number of decisions we need to make can help combat this.
For instance, I used to delay starting my day because I couldn't decide which task to tackle first. Now, I prioritise my tasks the night before.
Unclear Goals: When our goals are vague or unclear, it's hard to know what to do next.
Having clear, specific goals can help provide direction and focus, making it easier to take action.
I found that setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) made a huge difference in my productivity.
Beyond These Reasons: Our Identity, Values, and Beliefs
Procrastination goes beyond the reasons above. It also ties deeply into how we see ourselves, our identity, and our core values and beliefs.
If we perceive ourselves as someone who always procrastinates, this identity reinforces the behaviour.
Our values and beliefs about what is important, and what we are capable of, play a crucial role as well.
If deep down we believe that we aren’t capable or deserving of success, we’re more likely to put off the actions that could lead us there.
Taking Action: The Power of Mindset and Accountability
When we start to act, things start to happen. It's like a snowball effect: one small action leads to another, and before we know it, we're building momentum.
When we start showing up for ourselves, we begin to see progress. The tasks that once seemed insurmountable become manageable, and the sense of accomplishment we feel fuels our motivation to keep going.
Imagine the satisfaction of ticking off tasks from your to-do list, the pride in completing that big project, and the relief of finally getting things done.
You start to feel more in control, more capable, and more confident. Your self-esteem grows, and you begin to trust yourself more. This shift in mindset can transform your entire approach to life.
To live an amazing life, we need to be ready to do the big and the small jobs. It's the small, consistent actions that build up to significant achievements. Every little step we take towards our goals counts. By committing to taking action, no matter how small, we move closer to the life we want to live.
Remember, done is better than perfect. Perfectionism can paralyse us, but taking imperfect action can lead to real progress.
With the right mindset and accountability, we can create an effective plan to start showing up for ourselves.
Having someone to hold us accountable and support us through our journey can make all the difference. When we know we have to report our progress, we're more likely to stay focused and deliver better work in a timely manner.
Accountability partners, whether friends, family, or coaches, provide the support and encouragement we need to stay on track and achieve our goals.
Remember, what Renne Brown said: the cost of procrastination is the life you could’ve lived. Don't let procrastination hold you back from achieving your dreams and living the life you deserve.
If you're ready to take control of your time and start getting things done, I invite you to sign up for my masterclass, "From Procrastination to Progress - Master Your Time, Master Your Life." Let's take this journey together and unlock your full potential.
Sign Up for the Masterclass
Join me on the 12th of August 2024, Monday at 7:30pm NZST and let's master our time and our lives together.
By understanding the reasons behind procrastination and taking action, you can start making progress towards your goals and living the life you’ve always wanted.
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