Overcoming Procrastination

Procrastination means putting off intentionally and habitually the doing of something that should be done. It voluntarily delays a course of action despite expecting to be worse off for the delay.

So, procrastinators usually are someone who knows what she or he wants to do, yet doesn’t do it. It can affect our work, personal lives and also success. People may disguise avoidance by procrastinating by thinking that they are very busy.

People may find things to do that are interesting or even useful, but don’t contribute towards the main goal. Procrastination involves feelings of anxiety, stress, guilt, shame and depression.

Procrastination afflicts millions of people and almost always has negative effects on productivity and sense of well-being.

The following are some of the figures that have been brought out by researches and surveys:

•60% of people are moderate procrastinators

•6% of people are frequent procrastinators

•95% of those surveyed indicate that they procrastinate occasionally

So, why should we overcome procrastination? There are various disadvantages or pitfalls of procrastination. Some of these are as follows:

Putting things off to the last minute almost always reduces your ability to perform at your best

Procrastinators often never perform the required or desired task because they wait until it is too late

Last-minute pressure produces stress

Procrastination leads to stress and/or decreased sense of well-being and/or self-esteem

Daily delaying leads to chronic worry

Procrastination is an action. What inspires you to procrastinate is the combination of two things. One is your belief that taking action now will be unpleasant in some way. The second is your emotions, the feelings that get stirred up inside when you think of taking action on something you would rather not do.