The word “Procrastination” is derived from two Latin words. “Pro” means “for” and “Cras” means “tomorrow.” The literal translation of these words is “to postpone something until tomorrow.”
What is procrastination?
Procrastination is a psychological disorder that prevents individuals from reaching their full potential in life. If a person lacks persistence, focus, practicality, and self-discipline, they will experience procrastination. Procrastination means postponing tasks that we know we should be doing right now. It is the opposite of productivity. In order to be productive, we must take action to move things forward. When we procrastinate, we push everything to tomorrow, next week, and in some cases, indefinitely.
The Analogy of Procrastination to Body Parts
I will compare each component of procrastination to a part of the body so you can understand the importance of each:
Focus (Head): Your ability to follow through and complete a task reflects your ability to focus. It is focus that keeps your head on the right track and your eyes fixed on the goal. Focus is like a place that directs your thoughts and guides your actions, turning your imaginations into reality.
Self-Discipline (Spine): Your self-discipline allows you to do the things that need to be done, even if you don’t feel like doing them. This skill is the ability to control yourself so that you can maintain your focus and strength, allowing you to accomplish the important tasks necessary to achieve your goals, regardless of distractions or temptations. Self-discipline gives you the power to regulate your actions, thoughts, and emotions. Just as the head is connected to the spine, focus is connected to self-discipline.
Focus gives you the discipline you need to stay persistent.
Action (Hands and Feet): To overcome procrastination, you must prioritize taking action and have a plan for what you want to achieve. Remember, taking action doesn’t mean doing a lot of work, but rather making steps forward.
Persistence (Heart): Persistence means not giving up. It’s the determination to jump over obstacles, no matter how high they seem.
You can only measure your level of persistence when you start something and face the challenges that come with it.
Why do we procrastinate?
There are two main reasons why it is difficult for us to follow through and continue with tasks we have started.
- Disruptive Tactics
- Psychological Barriers
3 Techniques to Prevent Procrastination
Disruptive tactics refer to the excuses we create to justify wasting the time given to us. These tactics include:
- Setting the Wrong Goals
- Weak Time Management
- Engaging in Distractions or Temptations
Setting the Wrong Goals
When you set goals that are either too difficult or too abstract, you are setting yourself up for failure. With the wrong goals, you will never reach your destination. When you work aimlessly, you will eventually lose your patience and give up. This situation arises when you don’t know what steps to take in order to achieve your goals.
Suggested article: Failure Schema
Weak Time Management
Good time management means being able to set a schedule for tasks and having a good estimate of the time required to complete them.
With good time management, a plan is strategically organized and followed through quickly.
Weak time management involves a lack of self-discipline, planning, focus, or organization. Poor time management leads to a domino effect, causing delays in other plans as well.
Engaging in Distractions or Temptations
Keep in mind that completely eliminating distractions and temptations is impossible. The main issue is not the distractions or temptations themselves, but rather our inability to manage them. However, we can manage them through balanced and healthy usage patterns and strategic avoidance. First, you need to understand what causes distractions and temptations for you. Next, it’s important to realize that you don’t have to completely deprive yourself of these things—moderate use is sufficient.
What are Cognitive Barriers and What Types Exist?
Cognitive barriers are unconscious and internal mechanisms that hinder our success.
. They exist within us but prevent us from taking external actions.
Types of cognitive barriers include:
- Lack of Self-Awareness
- Perfectionism Due to Insecurity
- Laziness and Lack of Discipline
- Fear of Failure, Rejection, and Judgment
Lack of Self-Awareness
When we don’t step out of our comfort zone due to the fear of making mistakes, we will never realize our full potential. As a result of staying in our comfort zone, many of our interests, desires, and abilities remain hidden from both ourselves and the world.
Suggested article: Mindfulness
Perfectionism Due to Insecurity
If you don’t take action due to fear of lacking the necessary skills or deep insecurity, or if you wait until you feel completely ready before taking action, you will always fall into the trap of procrastination.
Laziness and Lack of Discipline
Lack of discipline causes you to waste your time on distracting and tempting activities, and you won’t have the willpower to start or continue your work. Our body needs willpower to take action, while discipline is the focus that guides our willpower towards our goals. Without willpower and discipline, we remain in a state of inactivity and cannot pursue our goals.
Fear of Failure, Rejection, and Judgment
The fear of failure, rejection, and judgment paralyzes us and prevents us from striving toward our goals. We think that by not taking action, we are eliminating the possibility of doing something that might lead to negative judgment. However, if we don’t challenge ourselves and attempt tasks that push us, failure is impossible. Yet, the moment you decide not to try, you have already failed.