Procrastination can become a terrible habit over time, as it can lead to unnecessary stress and perhaps even negative consequences in your home life, as well as in your career. The old saying, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today” is really some sound advice. Chronic procrastinators oftentimes experience things like poor performance, guilt, higher stress levels, relationship issues, and decreased mental and/or physical health.
Why do we procrastinate?
Researchers indicate that there are various reasons why people tend to procrastinate. The reason why Mary procrastinates may be entirely different from the reasons Jim procrastinates.
Here are 5 of the most common reasons people tend to procrastinate, as well as some simple solutions as to how to become a non-procrastinator.
- It’s what you grew up seeing
If your parents were procrastinators, there’s a good chance you picked up the bad habit from them. You might not even realize how much you procrastinate because you’ve been seeing your loved ones do it for many years.
How to stop: Recognize that just because this is what you learned doesn’t mean you can’t “unlearn” it and go on to get things done in a timely manner. Also, look toward some positive role models and begin modeling them!
- You think you’ll fail
Some people procrastinate because they think if they move forward, they’ll fail trying to do whatever the task is. For some, not knowing what to do or what will happen keeps them from taking action.
How to stop: Work on your mindset. Your thoughts matter, so try some positive thoughts and affirmations. You might fail, and if you do, so what? It’s not the end of the world and there are many valuable lessons you can learn along the way. But you know what? You might NOT fail, and you’ll never know unless you try.
- You’re lazy
You might have a lackadaisical attitude and just don’t feel like making the effort. To be blunt, you’re lazy. You want things, but you don’t want to put the time and effort into getting them.
How to overcome: Simply admit to yourself that you’ve been lax, or you tend to be on the lazy side when it comes to getting things done. Then, commit to changing that type of behavior. Instead of putting things off, do them as soon as possible. Make lists often and check off your “to-dos” as you do them. Plenty of people have gone from lackadaisical to energized and timely, and so can you.
- You’re a perfectionist
Some people who are on the perfectionistic side tend to put things off because they feel like they must perform the task perfectly, and that causes them stress. Because you’re so tough on yourself, you tend to not even get started on something.
How to overcome: Remember, life is about progress; not perfection. Remind yourself of this often, knowing that things don’t have to be perfect.
- Depression
If you’re depressed, you just might not feel like taking action on tasks. You lack the energy or drive to even get started, so you put things off.
How to overcome: Reach out and get help whether that its treatment via counseling or something else. When you can address the root of the depression and begin working through that, you’ll be more likely to feel like taking action and completing tasks or projects. You’ll also be more willing to try new projects!
When you can begin to understand the real reasons you procrastinate, you’re better able to tackle it. You’re better able to gain the insight necessary to change your behavior and get moving or follow through with your commitments. It can be even harder when you are trying to learn a new skill, like real estate investing.
Remember the steps above and to push yourself beyond your self-imposed limits, you can succeed and have a wonderful life, you just have to get up and go get it.
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