Remember when you wanted to do so much with your day, but you somehow ended up binge-watching series on Netflix and scrolling through other people’s selfies on Instagram? No matter how disciplined you are, procrastination happens to the best of us.
The more obligations and responsibilities we have, the more we seem to enjoy running away from them. If your to-do list for the day is overwhelming, chances are you’re going to procrastinate and tick off fewer tasks than usual.
People have been procrastinating since 1682, according to the first documented reference to procrastination by Dr. Timothy Pychyl. But why does procrastination happen in the first place?
You feel overwhelmed
It’s that simple. In fact, the more choices you have, the harder it is to take action.
We spend most of our time indoors, staring at screens, isolating ourselves from nature. How can we expect to recharge and get things done?
Here’s what procrastination really is:
Procrastination is a defense mechanism when you feel stressed out. Click To Tweet
I won’t bore you with the details, I just want to provide you with a quick solution to procrastination. Every time you feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to do, ask yourself the following question:
What am I really afraid of?
Fear is the root of your problems. When you procrastinate, you’re actually trying to avoid a feeling. So take a good look at yourself. No, not in the mirror. At the core and essence of your being. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Tune in. Feel your energy. Your state of being.
For example: If you don’t feel like working today, why do you feel this way?
Here are some possible answers and solutions:
- You’re tired.
Straining your body and mind will get you nowhere. Take a nap. Meditate. Walk outside for half an hour. Do exercise or dance to your favorite music. Take your mind off what’s blocking it and allow yourself to step back.
- You don’t know where to begin.
No one wants to feel clueless. So make a plan. Write down the action steps for getting you through the day. Then just do them. It’s going to become easy once you start, I promise!
- You feel sad, angry, confused, or any other feeling.
To not let your feelings get on your way, acknowledge them. Turn off all your devices. Then find a quiet place for yourself and feel what you need to feel. Whatever comes up.
If you want to scream, then scream your head off. If you want to smash something, clench your fists and find a pillow or soft and safe object to hit. If you want to curl up and cry, then cry your heart out. Do this for as much as you need to, then go back to your day.
Often, repressed feelings get in our way. Procrastination is simply a way to avoid feeling them. That’s all.
Ready to conquer the world? Begin with one step at a time.
And let’s beat procrastination together once and for all.
Love,
