There are many reasons why some may procrastinate, one of the main ones being that there are some things we just simply don’t feel like doing. So we put them off until later in the day, or week, or month…
Should we procrastinate? In most cases, no.
Do I procrastinate? Very much, yes.
I feel a temporary moment of relief when I do promise myself that I will get that one thing done later. Then later comes and… stress and anxiety hit.
I’m sure most people have been in this situation, perhaps a bit too frequently. Some people do better under pressure — I am probably one of those people.
Look, I’m not saying that you should put off doing the laundry or washing the dishes… Small, daily tasks like these are almost always best to get it over and done with as soon as possible — who wants to be trying to focus on the more important events in their lives (perhaps the release of a new season of your favorite TV show) while house chores and errands are lingering in their minds?
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There is one reason for procrastination — and some would argue against this — that I find to be quite useful.
Perfectionism.
By no means am I saying that everyone should be a perfectionist, because that comes with its own set of challenges as well. But I do find that, especially with work and projects, my need to perform at the best of my abilities is a main reason why I feel reluctant to complete tasks.
For example, I began writing this article after realizing how difficult it has been to start a short story that I have been planning for over a month. It is one that is very personal and of significant sentimental value to me, and I want it to be “perfect.”
Of course, the idea of being “perfect” is obscure and there really is no such thing. But that does not stop me from believing that I am incapable of producing my best work in this moment and inspiration — that will greatly enhance my work — will come later.
It is this thought that often causes me to procrastinate. It’s not great, and maybe I’m subconsciously putting off writing because I don’t feel like working. Some might think I’m just being “lazy.” Or maybe I do this out of fear. The fear that I am not good enough. The fear that I will mess it up.
Yet, I have always done this. I have always completed tasks and projects at the last minute, and it works. Some of my best and most creative ideas — I believe — are from the pressure that comes when I am nearing a deadline.
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Again, I’m not saying that everyone should procrastinate. In fact, it’s probably best not to do so. In most instances, procrastination is an ingredient for disaster, in the final result or mentally.
But you cannot deny that there are some people who do better under pressure — perhaps you are one of those people. And why should anyone judge them for being that way?
If you struggle with procrastination, ask yourself this: why am I procrastinating?
The reason behind procrastination can help you to discover ways in which you can break this habit. It can help you to explore who you are — and can help you not only to be more efficient but to perform at your best.
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This post was previously published on Medium.
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Photo credit: Tim Gouw on Unsplash