Guess what? You are not lazy! We procrastinate for a host of reasons, but laziness is rarely one of them. Here are a few reasons why we procrastinate:
Instant gratification: Research shows that humans are hard-wired to want immediate results, even if there are sometimes negative consequences. It is better for your productivity and mental health to slow down.
Disinterest: Working up the motivation to complete a task we have little interest in can be difficult. In these instances, it is easy to find excuses or work on other tasks. Teaching yourself to power through tasks that hold little to no interest for you can be an invaluable life skill. Start by breaking up projects into small, manageable steps.
Perfectionism: Often times, perfectionists set unrealistic goals and then delay due to a fear of failure. Recent studies have shown that individuals who strive for perfection often times achieve less than those who set more realistic goals for themselves.
Self doubt: We sometimes delay starting a task simply because we don't feel confident in our abilities. Don't be afraid to try something new and ask for help if you need it. Don't forget to tell yourself, "I can do this!"
Poor planning: It's very easy to underestimate how long it might take to complete a task. To combat this, try starting a project earlier than you think you need to.
Mental Health: Procrastination can be connected to many mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. This is why it is really important to explore the reasons why you procrastinate and find solutions that work for YOU. What works for one person may not work for another. Check out the links below to find out more about the connections between procrastination and mental health.
Remember, there are many reasons why we procrastinate. This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list, but instead provide some of the most common reasons. Procrastination is personal for everyone, which is why it is important to explore the reasons why you do it and find ways to implement strategies that work for YOU.
Want to find out reasons why you might be procrastinating? Try the Why You're Procrastinating Quiz.
Set S.M.A.R.T. goals
Minimize Distractions
Did you know, on average, it takes around 20 minutes to get back on track once you are distracted? Try these techniques to stop distractions before they start:
Need help overcoming distractions? Try using a distraction blocking app like the ones below!