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Procrastination Tips That Nobody Wants to Hear
Three uncomfortable ideas that might help: 1
- Reframe procrastination as a values problem, not a productivity problem
- Our culture views procrastination negatively. However, it often signals an important message: you don’t truly want what you say you want. While some tasks are unavoidable, chronic procrastination often concerns things we think we want, such as starting a new project, exercising, or dating. This could mean:
- You want to want it, but you don’t. You might tell yourself you want to do CrossFit, but deep down, you don’t. Procrastination is your mind saying, “Stop lying to yourself!”
- You want it, but your reasons aren’t clear enough. Values motivate us, but only if they’re specific. Abstract values like “creativity” won’t motivate you to write a book. A clearer value, like “I feel most alive when I’m creative,” is much more powerful. Working harder isn’t the solution; you need to value the task.
- Ask yourself: Do I procrastinate because I’m lazy, or because I’m dishonest about my values?
- Our culture views procrastination negatively. However, it often signals an important message: you don’t truly want what you say you want. While some tasks are unavoidable, chronic procrastination often concerns things we think we want, such as starting a new project, exercising, or dating. This could mean:
- Stop using self-criticism as motivation
- Get out of your head (and change your environment instead)
- Chronic procrastination often stems from deeper psychological issues. However, your environment significantly impacts your psychology. Procrastinators often overestimate the importance of their mental state and underestimate their environment. Consider:
- Is it junk food’s allure or your environment that hinders you?
- Is it a lack of discipline or an unsuitable work environment that stops your novel writing?
- Think about your procrastination environment:
- What could you remove to improve focus?
- What could you add to your routine to ease the start?
- Which people help/hinder your progress? How could you make your work easier or more enjoyable?
- Are there better times or places to work?
- Simple solutions might emerge, but implementing them may require effort (e.g., decluttering your garage, negotiating with your boss about remote work). Your environment matters profoundly. A significant environmental change might be what you need.
- Chronic procrastination often stems from deeper psychological issues. However, your environment significantly impacts your psychology. Procrastinators often overestimate the importance of their mental state and underestimate their environment. Consider:
All You Need to Know:
- Reframe procrastination as a values problem.
- Stop using self-criticism as motivation.
- Change your environment.