Lets talk about procrastination.

Procrastination has always been a problem in my life. I do it often and I always regret it soon after. I am usually overwhelmed and sluggish when I have the need to procrastinate but that does not mean I am lazy, in fact it is the total opposite.  

This week I had the opportunity to have a conversation with my professor about procrastination and why we do it. He asked the class why we procrastinate. The question was so obvious to me. We procrastinate because we are lazy and horrible at time management. I was quickly corrected and the reason he gave opened my eyes and I began to realize so much about myself.  

Procuration can affect time management, but poor time management is not the cause for procrastination. It is more so linked to psychological reasons, reasons I never thought of before. I personally like to say ‘ah, I don’t have time right now for that, I'll do it later.’ With that thought, all I am doing is trying to convince myself that the reason is the lack of time. I have no time to do such important tasks, but I have time to play games on my phone or watch funny videos for sure! 

 Procreation occurs when people fear or dread the task that awaits them. Anxiety, overwhelming stress, ADHD, or depression are the underline factors for putting things off that we know we should not. Using our time to play a game, or watch a funny video is used to calm our minds and bodies down, help us relax from the psychological issues that we are not even aware of at the time. It is a distraction, and this distraction helps us feel better until later that is. Later when the task that was left behind creeps back up as a huge problem because we neglected it. Then there is an after effect. The frustrations and guilt of letting important issues pass by creates emotional distress, but still, we procrastinate because it is so hard to stop an issue when the main issue is not being addressed. some put off cleaning their home no matter how messy it may be, or not opening the mail especially if it looks bill related. Those examples could come from traumatic events such as the loss of a family member, relationship, close friendship, or any loss that had a huge effect on you. Those who have financial hardships or had those hardships, may find opening mail can bring the feeling of fear of monetary disappointments and high stress. It could be a slew of things! 

The triggers to procrastination may not be obvious but it is important for us all to know that we are not lazy or have issues with time. We need to dig deeper and find the reasons that are hindering us from doing what we know we should not be doing. Self-awareness is the first step to fixing our lives and healing our wounds. 

~JB