Procrastination tends to be more commonly grouped with other unconstructive behaviors such as laziness, stalling, sluggishness, time-wasting, and obstructing. However, procrastination can also be a secret refuge for unfolding wonderful results. The pause between the intention to complete something and its actual completion is a potent motivator to unlocking ingenuity. It’s felt like a switch that gets turned on inside, like an alignment between cognizance and desired outcome.
Procrastination can be a powerful time for reflection, sifting through details, and visual preparation of the steps necessary for accomplishment.
The effects of procrastination can be realized through a spark of creative genius, contagious enthusiasm, or profound clarity. The exhilaration of completing an intended project can ignite elevated levels of inspiration and deep feelings of self-worth.
Redefine procrastination as a positive pause for reflection
Of course, prolonged procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and habitual strain, which wreaks havoc on self-confidence. We are often unable to understand our causes of procrastination and go into judgment, negativity, and self-doubt when our “to-do lists” continually grow. Studies show that overcommitment leads to negative procrastination (and the false persona of being a superhero). Our inability to see through commitments exasperates our stress and clouds our judgment.
Creating a plan and believing it will be accomplished is important to avoid stressoften cannot. A common pitfall to negative procrastination is changing deadlines to fit into self-induced delays, which cause anxiety, lethargy, and poor sleep. Taking on more commitments does not initiate self-worth.
Building trust is the key to positive procrastination. Trust follows integrity, and the goals we set out to accomplish must meet our intentions; otherwise, our “word” holds little value.
Procrastinating on purpose is a personal choice that should be reviewed carefully. Kept in balance, procrastination acts as a foundation for a puzzle yet to be fully recognized.
Procrastination Tips
1. Be realistic about the number of commitments
Monitoring how much is enough is key to balance and follow through.
2. Make a plan and write out the details
Oftentimes, projects are put on the back burner, creating fuzziness about the particulars.
3. Create a deadline and stick to it
Balancing time can be a great way to ensure goals are met.
4. If you have several tasks, complete the one you like the least
This is a good psychological power play and motivator.
5. Carve out time
When you are so busy there is no time to complete projects, procrastination causes upset and stress.
6. Have integrity and trust yourself
The way we feel is a solo journey.
7. Give yourself a “reward” for accomplishing a difficult task
Celebrating yourself is very healing.
8. Redefine procrastination as a positive pause for reflection.
9. Lose the judgment
If procrastination follows a failure to accomplish something, be kind, patient, and recommit to following through next time.
10. Honor the time to contemplate your projects
Slowing down can provide another direction or path that has been unavailable until now.
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