If you're reading this right now, it might be because you procrastinate. If that isn't the case, you're reading this to get the upper hand on your procrastinating habits. Either way, we want to let you know that you are in the vast majority where procrastination is concerned.
According to Piers Steel, the author of "The Procrastination Equation," 95 out of every 100 people admit to avoiding work they know they should be doing. The other five people were probably busy procrastinating rather than giving their opinion.
This seems to be a very normal human behavior. Just because it's normal and most people are doing it doesn't mean it will create your best experience. You've probably noticed the negative results procrastination can lead to. From finances to relationships to health, procrastinating can do a lot of damage.
If avoiding our responsibilities can be so problematic, why do we do it? The answer is that a task or chore doesn't appeal to us. It triggers negative ideas about what handling that task will create in our lives. Here are a few common reasons why people procrastinate. They believe a task is going to be ...
- Difficult
- Frustrating
- Boring, uninteresting
- Not rewarding in any way
- Irrelevant
- Unessential
- A waste of time
If these or some other triggers make you think about putting off a task, there's something you can do. You slip on a new set of eyeballs and view the task in an entirely different way.
Reframing Means Seeing Something in a Different Light
The most beautiful picture in the world might not look as good as it can if surrounded by an ugly frame. Reframe the picture, and it's instantly more visually appealing. You can do that with any task or responsibility that makes you groan and dread taking action.
Turn task completion into a game. If this is something you do repetitively, see if you can finish it quicker than ever. How quickly can you do the laundry or cut the grass in the front yard? You can apply this approach to just about any task.
You can also reframe your work by considering the benefit of getting it done rather than the task itself. If there is something you have to do only once, imagine how you will feel when you've finished it. You don't have to do it again, so getting started gets you closer to that wonderful finish line.
Reframe an unenviable task as actually enjoyable. It might not be the task itself that you dread. Perhaps it's the option you are missing out on that is causing you to procrastinate.
It's beautiful outside, and you want to hit the beach. That would be a desirable option for so many things. What do you have to do instead? Maybe as a writer, you have an assignment you need to complete. You love writing. Embrace that. There are always going to be days worthy of a beach experience. Be happy that your task is something you enjoy doing, and tell yourself you can always go to the beach on another sunny day.
Think creatively. Look at your responsibilities as possibly enjoyable. If you open your mind to the idea that your tasks aren't as terrible as you believe them, you'll procrastinate less. This means more productivity and fewer penalties for procrastinating instead of doing what you know you need to do.
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.