DO YOU PROCRASTINATE? Find Out The Reason Why You Procrastinate (Spoiler Alert – It’s Not What You Think!)

I don’t know about you, but I find myself at times procrastinating when I know that I have a lot on my plate.

Over the years, I have done a lot of research on the subject of procrastination, and have learned many different ways in which to deal with it. Procrastination however, is a habit that it’s hard to beat, and it tends to creep in when you least see it coming. And when it does, you hate yourself for giving in to this toxic habit.

But here are some good news. Research in procrastination suggests that procrastination has nothing to do with getting things done, and more to do with … stress!

Most people affected by procrastination are people who have a lot on their plate and have a lot to juggle, people who are thinkers by nature. So procrastination is a form of stress relief.

Let me repeat it again – for all of you who procrastinate, procrastination is not the issue – it’s stress. So when you are asking your brain to kick into action and be productive at work, the brain may not be feeling up to it, as it has the stress to deal with, and so it needs to take a break.

If you are like me, you may be very harsh on yourself when you don’t get done as much as you thought you would, because you have instead spent time doing something of little value. If this is you, you need to be kind to yourself, and do the best that you can. Instead of beating yourself up for procrastinating, try and work on the actual reason that’s causing you stress. Trying to work on whatever is stressing you over will help you get on with the little things that you need to achieve.

One of the best tips that I can give you to get rid of this habit, is to get used to start doing whatever needs to be done for just 5 minutes. If you challenge yourself to do this, research shows that 80% of people will keep going. So the real trick in conquering this habit is to start doing what you don’t want to do. So it’s all going to come down to the choice that you make – continue to beat yourself up over not doing what needs to be done, or commit to just start doing it for 5 minutes.

I learnt this technique only too well when I was running long distances. Many mornings, I’d have to get up at 4.30am to run for hours. The day before, I could already hear myself going through all the reasons as to why I shouldn’t do it. My response would be to have my clothes ready and my trainers ready to put on by the door. In the morning, I would force myself to get dressed, put my shoes on and leave the house and give myself a goal of walking for 5 minutes (if running seemed like too much). Other than one day when I felt sick and tired and decided to come home after those 5 minutes, the rest I kept going and achieved incredible personal goals!

So, in knowing this new piece of information, instead of asking you why you procrastinate, I wan to ask you – what are you stressed about? Please take a moment to consider this question, and reflect on what may be needed for you to reduce it.

Here’s to your success!

Isabel x