I am utterly excited about putting this article out. It’s long overdue. I had planned to publish this in August 2020 but…oops!
I am certain that we have all had to procrastinate at one point or the other. The struggle with things that seemingly matter to you and the lag in execution.
Reason with me, is it safe to say that procrastination is as a result of lack of self–control? Or it’s a little more complex?
For example, I procrastinated on writing this article because Inem published two exhaustive articles on Getting to the root of Perfectionism and Overcoming the unrealistic desire to be perfect. This doesn’t feel like lack of self–control. Inem’s articles were so impeccable that I kept postponing the need to give expression to my thoughts on procrastination, perfection and growth.
I am a work in progress and as a matter of fact, I am on a quest to write myself out of procrastination.
Below are my three major reasons for writing this article:
- to write myself out of procrastination.
- to figure out a pattern that would make it easy for me to replicate the “feel fly” effect as many times as I want; and
- lend a helping hand to you! We are in this fix together.
Despite being intentional about maintaining a perfect note–taking system, it feels like a mess sometimes. Instinct tells you to write that brief but you are acting against that judgment by choosing to aimlessly surf the internet. Dopamine gets hijacked and before you know it, you are rescheduling when to write the brief.
I had always thought that procrastination was only for humans but things took an interesting turn for me when a friend talked about procrastination in a writer’s group. The conversation validated my thought that procrastination is really for humans 😊.
Why Procrastinate?
-
Instant Gratification
It is safe to say that the desire for instant gratification is one of the reasons we procrastinate.
The moment Inem made a publication on procrastination, I wanted to write something different. I wanted an article that wouldn’t have to compete for attention with another piece on the same subject. Her article became a resource I readily shared with anyone at the mention of “I am battling with procrastination.”
Instant gratification denies you the opportunity to enjoy long term benefits.
In the words of James Clear, “Your brain values long-term benefits when they are in the future (tomorrow), but it values immediate gratification when it comes to the present moment (today).”
-
Perfection
“Do not wait: the time will never be ‘just right’. Start where you stand and work whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along.”
― Napoleon Hill
My writings got better when I acknowledged the fact that it can never be entirely perfect. When I learn, I make amends. Truth is, if you are able to get enough, you’d keep moving until perfection becomes irrelevant. The only way you can get enough is to start.
Perfection is procrastination reloaded. Holding on to the label of being a perfectionist will hold you from growing and honing your craft. Perfectionism is not the expression of patience: it is procrastination in denial. It is a dream killer.
Procrastination is self–hate in disguise. It promotes self–sabotage. It encourages you to leave things to chance and not take responsibility for your life. Do it now and you stand a chance to grow.
-
Do–It– Later Effect
If a task wouldn’t take more than two minutes, do it right away. Telling yourself that you’d do it later is a subtle way of archiving an action. Eliminate the need to make the same decision more than once. When faced with a task that seems uncomfortable, use constraints to push yourself a little step forward.
In 2017, my coach, Dayo Samuel assigned a task to a cohort I belonged to. He made this statement, “If you don’t do it before the end of the day, I can be sure you won’t do it anymore.” In my defence, my smartphone was down and I could only work on the task until I got home. I promised myself that I’d work on it at night and postponed till the end of the following week. It is safe to say that I am yet to embark on the task 34months later.
If you can do it now, don’t even think about shifting it!
How Can You Stop Procrastination?
-
Reward System:
“I am going to eat at my favourite restaurant the moment I publish this article.”
This above was what I said to myself before writing this article. Trust me, it was enough motivation to give this my best shot because I love food. I learnt this from James Clear who taught in his book, Atomic Habits, that you do the things you love while doing things you procrastinate on. It works! The mental picture of feasting on my favourite meal keeps me going.
-
Consequence System:
I don’t like doing things out of fear but keeping my money with a friend and telling him I’d only get it after I have completed a task is more than enough motivation to get that task done. I definitely would not want to lose the money! The way you reward proactiveness makes the consequences of procrastination faster.
-
Pre – Format your Action:
The only way I could stop playing Football Manager was by deleting the setup from my laptop. Strangely, I have never been a fan of football but this game gets me in my feelings such that I could stay up all night playing it.
Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy. Get rid of anything that makes you want to procrastinate.
“Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free.”
― Robert Tew
-
Keep it Simple:
How would you challenge yourself to write a 180–page book when a 500-word article is still a challenge? Start small. Keep it simple and let your input compound.
I always emailed this web site post page to all my associates, since if like to read it afterward my links will too. Florri Allie Lorilyn
Muchos Gracias for your blog article. Thanks Again. Bernelle Jaimie Gee
You completed certain nice points there. I did a search on the theme and found the majority of persons will agree with your blog. Alethea Monti Bain
This is one awesome blog. Really thank you! Really Cool. Dawn Pacorro Sabina
There is perceptibly a lot to identify about this. I think you made some good points in features also. Mommy Seymour Jairia
Impressive! I am amazed at how well you use words to get your point across. I would be interested in reading more of your work. Nadine Zachariah Gershon
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable experience regarding unpredicted emotions. Teddy Hashim Carine
You need to take part in a contest for one of the greatest blogs online. Berte Giulio Sublett
This website definitely has all the information and facts I wanted concerning this subject and didn at know who to ask. Tera Dickie Mansur
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further post thank you once again. Orella Jaime Olive
Hello. This post was really remarkable, particularly because I was investigating for thoughts on this issue last Saturday. Anabella Far Diogenes
Howdy! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for the great information you have here on this post. I am coming back to your website for more soon. Ysabel Ingmar Tengler
It is not my first time to go to see this website, i am visiting this website dailly and get good data from here everyday. Marthena Ogden Dunseath
I got what you intend,saved to bookmarks, very decent website. Catha Anders Lan
Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you be familiar with then you can write if not it is complex to write. Gerianne Tim Almund
Very interesting subject, appreciate it for putting up. Damaris Halsey Reagen
I see something really interesting about your website so I saved to my bookmarks . Cassy Gregory Ariane
You are my inspiration , I own few blogs and occasionally run out from to post .
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of the website is extremely good. Florencia Byrann Binni
Wonderful website. A lot of helpful information here. Elaina Gearalt Rudy
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Thank you for sharing. Shalna Tan Gorges
Really informative blog post. Much thanks again. Much obliged. Sheilah Ruby Seidel
I reckon something genuinely special in this site. Sheba Donalt Guarino
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Thank you for providing these details. Hatti Stanton Lareine
Great, thanks for sharing this blog article. Really thank you! Awesome. Myrtia Giff Florri
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up plus the rest of the website is extremely good. Margarete Garwin Hoffarth
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, appreciate it. Kylie Hamlen Cowie
Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought i could also create comment due to this good article. Harlie Rriocard Didier
I wanted to thank you for this good read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. Janis Daryl Milstone
Im thankful for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Great. Geraldo Eckhoff
Major thanks for the blog article.Thanks Again. Loyd Whispell
I am so grateful for your post. Awesome. Weldon Hoon
Thanks so much for the post. Want more. Roosevelt Eblin
Just want to say your article is as astounding. The
clarity in your put up is simply nice and i could think you’re an expert in this subject.
Well together with your permission let me to
snatch your feed to keep up to date with impending post.
Thank you a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet people, its really really good piece of writing on building up new weblog.
I loved your blog.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
I think it is a fluent sharing, I will recommend your site to my friends
I am incessantly thought about this, thanks for posting.
I like and follow your site, thanks
I reckon something truly special in this website.
Some really great info, Gladiola I detected this. I’m not spaming. I’m just saying your website is AWSOME! Thank you so much! Please vist also my website.
Really nice design and good subject material. Please also check my website. I love cars!
I read a great article with pleasure, I hope it will continue
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A number of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?
Please send an email
Thanks again for the article. Really Cool.
You produce quality content, I appreciate you
It was very useful, I can say it was a useful article for me.
I love surfing on your pleasant site
It is a very good useful article I like to read such articles
I like and follow your site, thanks
If some one needs expert view about running a blog then i propose him/her to pay a quick visit this blog, Keep up the good job. Indira Ev Jasun
You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most individuals will go along with with your blog. Genny Whitney Fruma
You completed various good points there. I did a search on the theme and found nearly all folks will go along with with your blog. Ericka Findlay Swec
Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the challenges. It was really informative. Your website is very helpful. Thanks for sharing! Cordey Sonnie Dowell
But detoxing from it made you more productive right? Rosina Buddy Tanaka
As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you
As a Newbie, I am permanently browsing online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just
your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything.
Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site
could undeniably be one of the most beneficial
in its niche. Fantastic blog!
This info is invaluable. How can I find out more?
We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
Your web site offered us with useful information to work
on. You’ve performed an impressive process and our entire group will
probably be grateful to you.
Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was
super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m
thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new
to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for newbie blog writers?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Please send an email. Would be willing to assist.
I quite like looking through a post that will make men and women think.
Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!
great content, i love it
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for Fason işlemei
Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a
quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading
your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over
the same subjects? Appreciate it! asmr 0mniartist
Hi there, I want to subscribe for this website to get newest updates, therefore where can i do it
please help out. asmr 0mniartist
https://ajiboladiipo.com/may-weather/
Please tell me that youre heading to keep this up! Its so good and so important. I cant wait to read much more from you. I just feel like you know so very much and know how to make people listen to what you might have to say. This weblog is just also cool to be missed. Excellent things, genuinely. Please, PLEASE keep it up!
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website so i came to “return the favor”.Im trying to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Great delivery. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.
What i do not realize is in fact how you’re now not actually a
lot more well-preferred than you may be right now. You are very intelligent.
You already know thus considerably on the subject of this topic, made me in my view consider it from so many varied angles.
Its like women and men aren’t involved until it is something to do
with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. Always handle it up!
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your website is very useful.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this web page regularly,
this website is in fact fastidious and the viewers are actually sharing nice thoughts.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for
you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got
this from. thanks
I created this myself.
Wonderful, what a weblog it is! This weblog gives useful facts to us, keep it up.|
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after going through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly happy I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!|
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I such a lot for sure will make certain to don?t forget this website and give it a glance regularly.|
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you may
be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back
down the road. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great posts, have a nice day!