By definition procrastination is the act of deferring tasks to a later time. According to Wikipedia, "The psychological causes of procrastination vary greatly, but generally surround issues of anxiety, low sense of self-worth, and a self-defeating mentality." As true as this is, it is very disconcerting when you note that some forms of procrastination are self-destructive.
We all procrastinate in one way or another, even if you didn't think that you did. Accordingly, there are both good and bad procrastination skills. As to the good ones, someone may delay doing a task to do something of more importance. In other words it is a form of prioritization. Even though this may be good, the fact of the matter is that you are going to have to tackle that other task anyway. Otherwise the situation will get worse (like putting off mowing the lawn) and in some cases out of hand.
One of the worst forms of procrastination besides not doing anything at all is the one where we'll perform tasks of less importance. What we'll do is say to ourselves that we've accomplished a lot that day, whether it be errands or whatever. We'll even reward ourselves for completing these tasks. But we leave behind the task of more importance that is still waiting there and not getting done. What makes this so detrimental to us is that it doesn't feel like we are procrastinating.
You may even wonder if I'm procrastinating from doing something by writing this post. Actually, I'm writing this for two purposes - one to relay my thoughts on this subject and also for myself on a personal level. I came to a realization last evening, which really has nothing to do with procrastination, and needed an outlet.
One of the questions that we should be asking ourself is ‘What's the best thing that I could be working on?' And then follow that up with, ‘Why aren't I?' This is probably not easy for some to ask themselves because we have to be introspective to answer it properly.
Several reasons for our procrastination could be fear, whether it be the fear of failure or success; perfectionism, because we may expect too much of ourselves and are therefore afraid of not attaining that level or goal; or, we're too busy to perform those tasks. Many times we'll find that we'll perform a lesser task because of the instant gratification as opposed to a more intense or larger task that will usually give use greater satisfaction down the road in the foreseeable future.
Procrastination tends to reinforce itself and that can only become a vicious cycle. Part of the problem is that we are too intelligent and will rationalize behavior such as this.
While writing this piece, I came across an article in Psychology Today, Procrastination: Ten Things To Know. Is your procrastination hindering you? by Hara Estroff Marano.
So, what are you going to do now?
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Marc...
I am so not a procrastinator. I actually annoy myself most of the time. I want it done...And I wanted it done yesterday :)
Blog Boy on the other hand is odd. When it comes to business he's like me. Anything else just goes on his procrastination list. He annoys me with that :)
Great post and topic my friend :)
Marc it Done. You teed that up nicely :)
TLW...ROAR!
Danny - Thanks for visiting and commenting
TLW - I have to admit that I used to be like you, but I've relaxed it as years have gone by.
Jason - What imperfection? What are you talking about? Are you suggesting something?
Kathy - But, isn't that a wonderful feeling? Glad you're taming it.
Jennifer - That's great. It all comes down to what works for each of us individually.
Jason - Thanks buddy! That is just too kind, but I ain't even near to being close. :)
Audrey - Get in line! I'm sure it's growing especially with the amount of people on this site, etc.
Marc, i am a great procrastinator. I think there is value in that... So what if my laundry, dishes, taxes and other minor inconvenient 'have-tos' don't get done on time, - at least i was in control of them not getting done! Plus, i like doing things really fast, so if let's say my tax deadline is a few months away - that's waaaaaay too soon for me to start thinking about them... See, it all makes sense! Procrastination is a virtue, when done right!!! Anyone need help doing it right, just call me, and I'll get to you as soon as i finish those dishes,...laundry, taxes...:-)
PS: good post, and glad i found you...:-)
PS1 Ok, AR people, there is an x-rated sounding berry that I am supposed type now... C'mon!!!
Inna - Ha, Ha, Ha! Glad you enjoyed. Too funny!
Bryant - No one can disagree with that. Actually, I had a similar situation back in the 80's. Everyone thought my apartment was so clean. It's not that it was clean, but it was neat. But I agree with you, putting something off doesn't get you anywhere. In fact, it can only slow you down.
Marc...
I thought you would want to know that Blog Boy and I have been making 'procrasto' jokes to each other as a result of this post...
I had a 4 ft long mirror come crashing down from a wall right after I read and commented on this post. It crashed down into my indoor garden that just happened to be full of mulch. I had broken glass from one end of my living room to the other. It took me hours to clean up the mess. But I stopped everything to do so.
When I finished Blog Boy was teasing me about my inability to procrastinate not to mention the fact that I can be anal about these things :)
Anal...Ha! I'm calling that one for a blog :)
TLW...ROAR!
Trying to make us feel guilty, stressed, pushed, cajoled,
downright down and depressed about our inability to cope
with daily chores? Let me just tell you what I think!
Naaawww. I'll do it tomorrow.
:-) Deb
and TLW, I would have helped pick that mess up if you would wait till next week!
Yup...I'm ROARING...
And LMAO at Deb.
Next week indeed :)
TLW...ROAR!
Sally - I think you may have failed the test. You should have been able to do both at the same time :)
TLW - ROAR, ROAR, ROAR!!
I'm still laughing at that x-rated berry Inna finally discovered! That's the secret of the AR addiction!
I was going to post earlier, but then....
Sally - Excuses! :)
Jennifer - Yeah, more excuses. I was wondering if it was the sounding or x-rated part. Of course, farkleberry came to mind.
Marc - major guilty here! Thanks for the great article and wise words of wisdom. I am working on becoming more organized and including be better at prioritizing my "to do's"..... thanks for the motivation. It's a harsh reality but one that needs to be focused on daily. Great job.
Rhonda - Too funny! But the fact is that we all procrastinate to some degree.
Andrew - Very good! At first when I read your comment I didn't think that was procrastination, but I do see it now.
Lisa - My dear friend that fact is you have a lot more company than you realize.
Judy - I can understand.
John - We're all guilty. It's just does it interfere with where we could be if we didn't.
Candace - Thank you and glad that this could be of assistance.
Matt - Funny man!
Brigita - Excuses, just like Sally! :)
Jeanean - Is that called schizophrenia? :) I can actually quite understand with you.
Diane - Thank you. We all do it, that's for sure. Glad you enjoyed!
Marc... this was right on, in regards to every form of procrastination. I have found myself at one time or another doing each type of procrastination one time or another. And I totally agree, I have seen so many tackle the smaller issues, not the larger ones, and think they have accomplished much. Wrong... that in my opinion is one of the worst kinds of procrastination. Gee, I had a meeting in NYC today and procrastinated putting together what I was going to talk about. But I did it on the way up. Overall, it was very successful. I guess I have a knack for last minute stuff often since I did it often in HS and college. But when it comes to mortgages, I make a checklist and proceed quickly and efficiently. Great job with this one...
Kathy - Glad you enjoyed and were busy. Yes, we do have fun here even in our seriuosness.
Jeff - Thanks. Glad your meeting worked out well.
Adam - I can easily understand and have found myself doing the same and have decided to just do it now, get it over with and done. You bring up an interesting point and I read it in my research that ADHD may also be a cause of procrastination.
Marc...
This really should have been featured :)
TLW...ROAR!
I hate my procrastinating ways. I attribute it to being a bit scatter-brained. I'm still working on my bookkeeping for the last couple months of '07 just because it's such an unpleasant task. And, like the comic strip you posted, I avoid the unpleasant by jumping onto the internet all the time.
On Friday the internet was down, so I was forced to do some tasks that I had been putting off. Horrors!