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Overcoming procrastination will open the gates of creativity
“Procrastination is attitude’s natural assassin. There’s nothing so fatiguing as an uncompleted task.” – William James
William James, noted psychologist of the late 19th century, certainly knew a thing or two about burnout. Many stress management gurus discuss a focus on energy management, rather than time management, as a means to stay resilient.
Procrastination simply saps us of our energy and erodes our soul. We slowly deplete our “life force within” and have less to give to our families, friends and patients. There is even emerging evidence that procrastination potentiates illness, from insomnia to immune dysfunction.
Why we procrastinate
Joseph Ferrari, PhD, considered an expert in procrastination research offers three reasons why we put things off.
Thrill seeker. Many people put things off for the mere arousal or “rush” that last minute anxiety creates.
Avoiders. Many people put things off for fear of failure. Some people even fear success and its inherent consequences. Avoiders seem to be overly possessed by what others think of them. They are also plagued with perfectionist tendencies.
Decisional procrastinators. These troubled souls simply can’t make a decision. Not deciding gives the illusion of absolution of responsibility for the outcome.
The origins of procrastination likely have both a genetic and environmental causation. Children raised in overly authoritative households seem to be particularly at risk.
Tips to overcome procrastination
Regardless of etiology, there is hope for chronic procrastinators. I offer these tips which have served me well:
Recognize dysfunctional thinking. When the thoughts arise telling you to postpone a task, stop, label these thoughts as dysfunctional and return to your intention. The brain is plastic and years and years of dysfunctional programming can be literally rewired over time.
Practice mindfulness. When we are immersed in the present moment, all dysfunctional thinking slowly evaporates. We return to our intention and are not subject to the “voice” of procrastination. Deep breathing, meditation and yoga are all means of becoming more present.
Let it flow. As David Burns, in his masterpiece on cognitive behavioral therapy Feeling Good writes, merely “dare to be average.” Recognize the voice of perfectionism and know it will not bring peace; it will only stultify creativity. Burns writes it is far more fulfilling and satisfying to perform several tasks than one masterpiece.
Do the thing you fear. When we embrace our fears head on, we slowly gain mastery over our lives. Beneath every act of procrastination is an underlying fear. When we do the things we fear most, confidence rises and old patterns vanish.
For me, I gained counsel from Dan Sinnott, health care consultant, who has always preached the habit of “starting your day with a six pack.” He doesn’t mean beer, but simply each morning write down the six things that are most important to accomplish in that day. Relax, and then do them one by one.
Overcoming procrastination will open the gates of creativity, reinject joy into your life and boost your productivity. You will return to positive energy balance and have more to give to your loved ones.
Live a life of intention, not prevention now.