OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION AND BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

We’ve all been there—immersed in the familiar comfort of our favorite TV show, going a bit too long with that coffee break at work, mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds...in short, getting lost in a myriad of activities to distract ourselves from other pressing tasks we know we should be tackling.

Often, in the back of our minds, there lies a persistent whisper, a nagging reminder that we should be focusing on something else—something that was due yesterday or that we've been putting off for far too long.

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T FIGHT IT

One of the most significant lessons I learnt from my experiences with coaching and team effectiveness is that procrastination is a formidable adversary. Let’s be real for a moment: more often than not, procrastination is not a fleeting phase or a temporary setback; it is an ingrained part of our psychological makeup.

Therefore, it is crucial to never underestimate the power of procrastination. Always factor it into your plans and expectations—after all, it is one of the most quintessentially human behaviors we exhibit in a wide range of situations and settings. Procrastination serves as a natural response to various triggers, whether they stem from fear of failure, overwhelming tasks, or simply the allure of more enjoyable distractions.

If you find yourself grappling with how to overcome procrastination and are unsure of how to effectively boost your productivity, the first step is to start from a place of acceptance. Acknowledge and embrace the reality that procrastination is an intrinsic part of who you are and how, at times, you navigate through your responsibilities and challenges. By recognizing this truth, you can begin to develop strategies to manage it rather than allowing it to control you.

WHY YOU SHOULD EMBRACE IT

Understanding that procrastination is a common human experience can also help alleviate feelings of guilt or shame associated with it. Instead of viewing it as a character flaw, consider it as a signal that something needs your attention—whether it’s a lack of motivation, an overwhelming workload, or even a need for a break.

By fostering a mindset of acceptance and curiosity, you empower yourself to take proactive steps toward overcoming procrastination, such as setting clearer goals, breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, or even rewarding yourself for completing tasks.

This way, you can transform procrastination from a daunting obstacle into an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

THE WISDOM OF PROCRASTINATION

An aspect which is very often overlooked lies in the fact that there are situations in which procrastinating is the right answer. Sometimes, delaying action is wise. This pause allows us to step back from immediate pressures, connect with our intuition, and reflect on our emotions, motivations and choices.

Introspection can lead to more thoughtful decisions and reduce overwhelm and anxiety. When appropriate, by embracing procrastination as a strategy to increase awareness and better decision-making, we cultivate patience and a more positive relationship with ourselves. In the long run, procrastinating can boost your productivity and effectiveness.

GOING BEYOND PROCRASTINATION

So, how can you shift from fearing or fighting procrastination, to transform it into as an ally?

These steps will help you develop a more positive relationship with your tendency to procrastinate:

✅ Acknowledge that procrastination is happening. Recognize that it is not about laziness, it's rather about a part of you that wants to protect you from feeling something potentially unpleasant.

✅Exercise self-compassion. Recognizing that everyone experiences procrastination at some point and that to address it is actually difficult, can help alleviate feelings of guilt, making it easier to adopt a more constructive attitude. By treating procrastination as a natural part of your creative and learning process rather than a flaw, you can learn to harness its energy for better outcomes.

✅Identify what is it that you want to avoid. Is the task daunting for your self esteem? Is it uninteresting and lacking stimulus? Do you lack clear structure and direction? Does it clash with your values? Are you afraid of upsetting someone?

✅Explore your options. Focus on what is within your control and keep an open dialogue with your intuition. What can you do to address the root issue? Can you resolve the fear, and if so how? Can you make the task more interesting? How? How can you bring more structure in your approach? Are you willing to compromise to get it done? How much? If not, then what?

✅Focus on staying proactive. We have all heard that to tackle procrastination the plan should be to break large tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces to reduce feelings of overwhelm and make it easier to take action. We also know that we should set realistic goals and deadlines to help create a sense of urgency without inducing stress.

This is all true and yet, we should be honest about the fact that to come up with a plan and follow it can be easier said than done - otherwise this article wouldn't have reason to exist.

What really matters at this point is that you stay proactive. Whatever strategy you choose to get the task done, remember that addressing procrastination is about going from being stuck, to taking action - and no step is too small, as long as it takes you forward.

KEEP THE CONVERSATION OPEN

These steps provide a framework for addressing procrastination through an introspective dialogue. This ongoing conversation is vital for self-reflection and growth, helping you understand behavioural patterns and triggers like fear of failure, perfectionism, or lack of motivation.

Self-awareness requires honesty about your feelings and thoughts towards the challenges and responsibilities of life, and recognizing avoidance reasons. This understanding allows you to control and implement effective solutions. Continuously evaluate and try to adjust your strategies, exploring alternatives if current methods fail.

Overcoming procrastination involves maintaining an open dialogue, self-assessment with compassion, and seeking realistic solutions, leading to greater fulfillment and productivity in your life.