Procrastination definition .
Is Procrastination an irrational behavior or just a time delay ?
Procrastination is the action of intentional delay in start working
on a task , which is restricted by a certain deadline .
Avoiding a task , especially if it has a deadline , is possible only
if the task becomes irrelevant .
Since most people have the tendency to procrastinate , the
definition applies to Chronic Procrastination .
Scientific research found , that about 20% of the U.S. population
are chronic procrastinators .
Chronic procrastinators , usually , lack time – management
skills & are sensitive to the respond of their social environment .
3 Popular justifications for Chronic Procrastination .
– Arousal – As deadline gets closer , self – stimulation rises .
– Avoid a predefined fear of possible outcome – Which
can be either failure or success .
– Unable to decide how to approach the task , because
doesn’t want to take responsibility for its outcome .
Causes of Procrastination .
– Psychoanalysis & other self – oriented psychodynamic
theories claim that people who procrastinate , are morally deficient
& exhibit signs of self – defeating irrational behavior .
The task is viewed as unpleasant , even stressful , & the idea is to
avoid doing it , as long as possible .
– Positive Psychology claims , that people develop inner motivation to
procrastinate , even though they understand it’s a wrong practice .
Morals & beliefs are responsible for thoughts & thoughts determine behavior .
Behavior can be explained by a different set of priorities & doesn’t have to
be irrational .
2 Types of procrastinators .
Active Procrastinator –
Deliberate Procrastination period within an efficient time – management .
The task is completed on – time & @ competitive level , even though
it was a planned part of the process .
Active procrastinator allocates time for Procrastination , while a non –
procrastinator doesn’t .
Otherwise , both start & finish competitively on – time .
Passive procrastinator –
Noticeable level of discomfort combined with poor time –
management skills .
Inability to start , shrinks the amount of time , that will be
dedicated to complete the task .
Outcome , upon completion , will be acceptable @ best .
Procrastination effects .
- Time lost isn’t redeemable – Unfinished / incomplete tasks ,
become a part of the present . As time goes by , Tasks accumulate ,
but the amount of time to complete each one , in the present ,
shrinks . This will reflect on the outcome .
- Second hand effects – When it’s a matter of a team – work , whether
@ home or @ work , Procrastination slows down the collective effort &
will affect the quality of the outcome .
This also creates interpersonal tensions , that may harm relationships .
- Poor results & negative social feedback can support dysfunctional
behavior & also lead to different psychological disorders .
Minimize your Procrastination .
– Time is money – Even if gratification isn’t immediate ,
it’s all about the strategy you build your life upon .
We pay the bills on time , not because we like it , but because
we don’t want to face the sanctions attached to not paying .
That’s part of life & we don’t want it to slow us down .
Build yourself a life time strategy , with intermediate goals .
Once you’ll realize that some issues must be dealt with as chores ,
you’ll be able to get where you want .
– Mel Robbins – Immediate & on the spot solution .
– Prof. Jordan Peterson – Long – term solution .
Take responsibility & rethink where you want
your life to take you . A must watch !