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When we think about why we procrastinate, most of us will list the same reasons: we’re lazy, unmotivated, afraid of failure, or simply uninspired. These are all valid points, but they don’t explain the complexity behind why exactly we don’t get started on that new project or blog post. If you find yourself procrastinating from time to time and are looking for ways to break that cycle, you aren't alone. Many people struggle with procrastination, but by taking a step back and analyzing your own habits, it's not as hard as it seems to break the cycle. Read on for more insight into why you might be procrastinating and tips on how to stop doing so in a healthy way.
The Real Reasons Why We Procrastinate
There are many reasons why people procrastinate, but the real reasons are often found in our childhoods. You see, procrastination is often a symptom of something deeper. It’s a symptom of a lack of self-worth, confidence, energy, or motivation. And, as children, we’re not equipped to deal with these feelings because we have no idea they exist. So we stuff them deep inside. Where did these feelings come from? They came from the time you spent growing up. The way you were treated, the expectations placed on you, the way you were praised or punished, the messages you received from your family, friends, and society – all of these things have a huge impact on who you are today. If any of these things were negative, then they’ve likely contributed to your feelings of procrastination.
We are Overwhelmed and Don’t Know Where to Start
If you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, then that’s most likely the culprit behind your procrastination. You see, if you don’t know how to break down your project and tackle it piece by piece, then it’ll seem like an enormous task. And, if you don’t know how to tame that task, it’ll seem like an impossible feat. That feeling of being overwhelmed is normal, but not productive. It’s actually the number one reason why people procrastinate. And, once you embrace the feeling and allow it to pass, you’ll be able to break down your project into manageable chunks and really get started.
You Don’t Think You’re Good Enough Yet
If you don’t think you’re good enough yet, then that’s another reason why you might be procrastinating. You see, when we’re children, we’re praised for everything we do. If we do something well, we’re praised. If we do something poorly, we’re told we can do better next time. To us, this feels like positive reinforcement because we want to be praised and do well at everything. As we get older, however, the praise lessens. We’re praised less for doing well and more for simply doing something. And, as we get older and start facing bigger challenges, we’re increasingly told we can do better next time.
Your Environment Is Telling You to Procrastinate
If your environment is telling you to procrastinate, then this is another reason why you might be putting off your projects. You see, our habit patterns, whether good or bad, are formed based on our surroundings and situations. This means that the people you spend time with, the shows you watch, the magazines you read, and your daily routine have an impact on who you are and how you operate in life. If your environment is constantly promoting a laid-back attitude, then you’ll likely adopt that same attitude, even if it’s not helpful. If you constantly hear people saying, “I don’t have time for that,” then you’ll start to believe it, too. If you spend your evenings watching shows about procrastination and laziness, then you’ll likely adopt those same habits.
What really stopped me from writing
When I was younger, I always had ideas about what I wanted to do. You know, all of those great life dreams you have when you’re a kid. I wanted to be an actor, a writer, and a journalist. I wanted to travel the world and be completely free. I wanted to live a life that was completely unplanned. I wanted to be spontaneous and never have any regrets. I always had these wild and crazy dreams, but I never actually did anything about them. I always liked the idea of being a writer, but I never actually sat down and wrote anything. I always wanted to be a travel journalist, but I never applied to be one. I was always just full of ideas, but I never actually did anything with them. I was always just dreaming and wishing, but I never actually worked towards them. I was always just thinking about what I wanted to do, but I never actually did anything.
The only truth and way out
The truth is that we all procrastinate from time to time. It’s completely normal and happens to almost everyone. But knowing the reasons why you procrastinate is the first step to breaking the habit. If you understand why you’re putting things off, then you’re one step closer to getting them done. So, next time you find yourself procrastinating, take a step back, look inside yourself, and question why you’re doing it. Only then can you break the cycle and start living the life you’ve always wanted.