-quote from the best movie in the world.
I think everyone has times where they look at the mirror and ask themselves, "Who am I really?" This may come with a sudden epiphany, realizing the man or woman we could become. As humans we tend to get random surges of inspiration and motivation, a flood of goals and self improvement go through our head and we feel invincible. Then a couple days, or maybe even just minutes later we forget about all those things until the next surge.
Here's a common situation,
"I'm going to do [insert goal here] tomorrow!"
The next day: press snooze, decide you can do it another day.
Psychology Today lists 3 different types of procrastinators:
- Arousal types, or thrill-seekers, who wait to the last minute for the euphoric rush.
- Avoiders, who may be avoiding fear of failure or even fear of success, but in either case are very concerned with what others think of them; they would rather have others think they lack effort than ability.
- Decisional procrastinators, who cannot make a decision. Not making a decision absolves procrastinators of responsibility for the outcome of events.
Now back to me:
Procrastination is something you acquire, not something you are born with. Studies showed that strict parenting often shapes future procrastinators because they are unable to regulate their own thinking and grow up not able to manage time efficiently. Or procrastination could be a sign of rebellion, the freedom of finally able to do things on your own terms leads you to self-sabotage.
With procrastination we often rationalize our retarded thinking. "Well, tomorrow I'll be more rested and will feel like doing it more." But that usually doesn't happen. Or we will convince ourselves its not a big deal. Comforting our mind into being ok with our laziness. Reminds me of a certain serpent saying, "you positively will not die..." technically that statement was true but skewed. Each day has it's own anxieties so we shouldn't shoot ourself in the foot and load the next day with even more pressure.
Procrastination and depression have similar traits, telling a chronic procrastinator to just schedule better is like telling a depressed individual to cheer up. It's something we have to overcome by disciplining ourselves. There are many times when I take a moment and think of all the things I need to do or could do to get stuff done or be a better me, and in theory it seems completely do-able but it is super hard to follow through sometimes.
With the availability of limitless time-wasters it's even harder to not put off things. One technique that helps is to set a 15 minute timer and then when it goes off, look at the things you accomplished, then reset it and repeat. Looking at your progress will make you feel like you are getting stuff done and will inspire you to be even more efficient. Discouragement is crippling so doing whatever I can to stay focused and see results helps me alot. Like working out, if you don't see or feel results, you'll give up. But if you track and see even just little accomplishments, you'll be motivated to continue.
There are times I think, when we are able to see our full potential. So take a good look and then start jogging in that direction. When you sprint towards it after sudden inspiration you might get some stuff done, but you'll burn out. But slow and steady improvements seem to be the way to go, so thank you Mr. Turtle.
I struggle with procrastination more than most probably, and I only write this because it encourages me to take my own advice.
