Procrastination plagues my family. It’s a character trait handed from one generation to the next. So naturally, there’s nothing I can do about it, right? Well . . . if that’s your approach I’m here to change your mind.
Causes
So why procrastinate? It’s easy to say it’s hereditary. But is it? Really?
I don’t know if it’s the rush I feel when working under a deadline, overfilling my plate, or simply poor time management, but procrastination must fill a role for me otherwise I wouldn’t do it.
Always a conscientious student, I did my math homework and history reading as assigned. It was those longer projects that hung over my head—research papers, dioramas, persuasive essays. As deadlines approached anxiety crept up on me. Did I have enough material to make my case, were the
diorama elements historically accurate, was my argument strong enough to sway the reader? Procrastination is a direct result of seeking perfection.
Ever eager to please my teachers, the thought of all the things they could find wrong with my efforts kept me from moving forward. Seeking perfection and avoiding rejection combined with a family tendency toward procrastination were three strikes against me.
Procrastination Effects
But the reality is I feel awful when I procrastinate. My chest tightens, tension causes my shoulders to creep up around my ears. I get that panicked feeling that I am unworthy, stupid, a fraud.
The weight of unfinished business impacts my appetite
—sometimes I eat too much, other times my stomach is so upset I hardly eat at all. I toss and turn in bed then can’t rouse myself in the morning and lumber aimlessly through the day like a zombie.
My social interactions suffer too. With physical aches and pains, sleep deprivation, and emotional distress, I avoid burdening friends with my self-inflicted trouble.
What to do?
Coping Strategies
As simple as it sounds, I know I have to change my behavior. Easier said than done, you say? You’re absolutely right!
The first step is to recognize the problem. Well that, at least, is easy. The problem is procrastination makes me feel lousy.
The next step is to look for solutions that have a reasonable chance of success. For me, time management is key. When I have a long term assignment I try to break it into smaller do-able chunks. That way I’m not overwhelmed. I budget my time, setting a deadline for each portion of the larger task and allow extra time for unexpected complications.
Accountability can help you stay on track to meet your goal. Enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to check in on your progress. It’s harder to put off until tomorrow what you can do today when someone is expressing an interest in your work. A word of caution: if you ask a friend to check on your progress, don’t bite their head off when they follow through. They are doing you a favor, not pestering you!
If procrastination is causing you sleepless nights and headaches, take a stand. Take the pledge.
Procrastinator’s Pledge
I value my mental and physical health
I will seek project completion not perfection
I will manage my time not my excuses
I will complete projects I am proud of
I value quality of life
