"Um... let's do this later." "I'll get up tomorrow morning and do it anyway." "I don't feel like it now, I'll start when I feel like it."... Do you often feel like this? You may also have a habit of putting off a report at the office, an assignment at university, or even a small task at home. Simply put, this is what we call `( procrastination )` in English. This is a very common thing. But sometimes this habit of 'let's do it later' can become a big problem in our lives.
When does procrastination become a problem?
Actually, we all procrastinate sometimes. It's very normal. Imagine you have to postpone a meeting because of an urgent task, or you need a little extra time to prepare for something. Even psychologists say that such things are normal.
However, if this procrastination habit interferes with your personal relationships, work, or educational activities , then that's when it becomes a problem. Imagine, your boss scolds you because you're always late for work, or you put off studying for an exam and fail the exam because you've left everything to the last minute. In such cases, this is not a simple habit, it's something we need to pay attention to. According to surveys, procrastination has become a long-term, serious problem for about one in five adults.
Why do we procrastinate like this?
There are several reasons for this. If you think about what kind of tasks we usually procrastinate, you will understand.
- Boring, boring work: When we have to do something boring and uninteresting, we tend to procrastinate.
- Difficult, complex tasks: When we start a big, complex task, we put it off because we don't know where to start.
- Perfectionism : Some people think, "If I can't do this 100% correctly, it's no use." So they don't start the work.
- Work that doesn't make sense to us: Sometimes we don't feel like doing what we do if we don't feel any satisfaction or meaning from it.
When we avoid such unpleasant tasks, our brain feels a little happy, relieved. It's like, "Ah, I got rid of that problem in good time." But the problem is, that happiness is only temporary. Because the procrastination hasn't been completed yet, it becomes a burden on your mind, causing stress and guilt .
Psychologically, the real reason behind this is that our brains are more focused on the present than the future. This means that if we put off doing something, we don't feel the negative consequences (e.g., failing an exam) or the positive consequences (e.g., the freedom we get from completing it). We only feel the small pleasure of getting rid of that unpleasant task.
Simply put, procrastination is a habit. Our brain always tries to take the easy way out. So it's easier to avoid a difficult task than to do it. That's the habit we need to change little by little.
Okay, so how do you get out of this habit?
Let's now discuss some proven, practical ways to help you break this habit. Although these may be difficult to do at first, you will notice the difference as you try.
| Strategy | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Be specific. | Rather than thinking, "I'll write the report in the morning," think specifically, "I'll write only the three main points of the report while I'm drinking my morning tea, before doing anything else." Then it's easier to get started. |
| Be realistic about time. | We often think we have a lot of time. Write down everything you have to do in your diary. Even the little things like going to the store, doing laundry, and exercising. That way you'll have a clearer picture of how much time you really have. |
| Stop distractions. | Stop using things that can distract you with a single click (social media, text messages on your phone) while you're working. Use those things as a 'reward' for yourself when you're done. |
| Start small. | First, accept that it's normal to feel lazy when you start a task. We need to try to overcome that feeling. When you start something, even the smallest thing, the progress you make will make you more interested in doing it. |
| Start with the hardest thing. | Your willpower is like a muscle. It's strongest when you start the day. So finish the hardest, most boring task of the day first. Then you'll feel free for the rest of the day. |
| Go to the future with your mind. | Imagine how you will feel after you finish the task you are about to do. Think about that relief, that joy. That will give you a lot of motivation to get started. |
| Do the work little by little. | Rather than trying to do a big task all at once, set aside a little time each day to do it. One study found that university students scored higher on exams when they were given small chunks of time to study, rather than having to study all at once. |
| Be kind to yourself. | Praise yourself for starting the task. Even if you can't do it 100% perfect, tell yourself that doing it "good enough" is much better than putting it off. |
Remember, this is not something that can be changed overnight. This is a habit. Changing habits takes time. So be patient with yourself.
If you feel that this habit is seriously affecting your daily life, work, or mental health in any way , it is very important to seek professional help. Talking to a doctor or mental health counselor can help you get to the root of the problem and find solutions that work for you.
Take-Home Message
- Procrastination is a habit that many people have, and it can be overcome.
- Getting started is the hardest part. So don't wait to do it "perfectly," start small.
- Break a big task into small, manageable parts. Then you won't feel intimidated.
- Use distractions (like social media) as a 'gift' when you're done.
- Be kind to yourself. Appreciate even small victories.
- If this habit is having a major, uncontrollable impact on your life, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor or mental health counselor .
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