Understanding the Psychology Behind Procrastination
Procrastination is a common challenge faced by many. It can negatively impact our results and performance. Studies have shown that procrastination is linked to poorer performance, higher error rates, and missed deadlines. (Zimmerman, 2008). To achieve exceptional results in life, it is important to learn how to overcome procrastination and become more action oriented.
Beyond time management, procrastination can be driven by three core psychological dimensions: fear of failure, indecisiveness, and lack of motivation. In this article, I will explore these dimensions and provide tools to help counteract procrastination.
Fear of Failure
Fear of failure is a significant contributor to procrastination. Often, we avoid doing tasks because of the associated fear of failure, even if completing the task could have a significant upside in our lives.
Fear of failure can present itself in many different ways, but I will focus on the ‘all-or-nothing’ approach that drives the perfectionist mindset. Here fear of failure is often born out of the desire to get it perfect first time around, so that the pain associated with failing is avoided.
This can lead to self-sabotage, such as when individuals delay doing a task because if it is not up to standard, their defense is that they didn't give their all.
To counter the fear of failure, take your time to evaluate the worst-case scenario and look at ways to mitigate it from happening. In addition, we must change our relationship with failure, understanding that even though it feels uncomfortable to experience failure, failure is a necessary part of success. So, switch your mindset from seeking perfection to seeking growth.
Indecisiveness
The second dimension of procrastination is Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is like a virus that will eat away at your ability to succeed. There was a time when I was indecisive, and I would overanalyze every decision I made, for fear of making the wrong decision.
When I discovered that decisiveness is a quality of leaders and high achievers, I consciously decided to become decisive.
I became more decisive by categorizing all decisions into one of two groups – decisions that will have no impact on my success, and the second category is decisions that will have an impact on my success.
1. Decisions that won’t have a long-term impact on your success.
These are the everyday decisions that we make, such as what clothes we should wear, the route we will use, to the meal we will eat. When faced with these types of decisions, simply select an option and go with it - without looking back.
2. Decisions that have an impact on your success.
These decisions do require more time, to analyze the data in front of you and explore the potential upside and downside of each option that you are presented with. Decisions such as who you marry, the type of career you choose, to rent or buy a home, and so forth, all fall into this category. A wrong decision here directly impacts the trajectory of your life. Simply using this method of placing decisions into one of these two buckets can help you be more decisive.
Lack of Motivation
Lack of motivation is another common contributor to procrastination. At times we put off tasks because we simply do not find it interesting or fulfilling. We all struggle with motivation at times, and we will all face tasks that we do not find interesting at all – yes, this applies to those of us who are working in our dream careers too. The truth is, it is not the most motivated person that wins, it is the most committed.
Whenever I find myself struggling with motivational lapses, I immediately remind myself why this is important to complete – I play the negative implications of not doing it and let the pain drive me to action.
In conclusion, procrastination is a common challenge, but it can be overcome. By understanding the psychological dimensions that contribute to procrastination, you can find suitable solutions that help you counter it so that you can achieve exceptional results in work and life.
