Do you have a million reasons for procrastination? Do you find yourself procrastinating on those small, simple tasks that seem so easy to complete? It’s common to overestimate how long these tasks will take, causing us to push them aside rather than simply getting them done. Here’s a powerful tip to help you get motivated and cross those nagging tasks off your to-do list.
People procrastinate for various reasons, and it’s not always negative.
New research in 2024 indicates that 88% of adults report procrastinating at least once a day, often on mundane tasks. Yet, simply tackling these smaller tasks first can improve your overall productivity by 30%! By addressing the core reasons for procrastination, you’re setting yourself up for success in both your personal and professional life.
In fact, what we sometimes label as procrastination can be beneficial. Activities like relaxing, watching a movie, playing a game, or engaging in self-care through gardening, yoga, or exercise are often incorrectly categorized as idle procrastination. In reality, these activities are essential for a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. Shifting between work and recreation fuels motivation, helping your brain and body stay balanced between productivity, variety, and rest.
However, there are times when we prioritize DOING over everything else. So, if you find yourself procrastinating check this post for some hidden reasons that may be hiding in plain sight.
Another reason for procrastination is a lack of focus.
Behavioral scientists define procrastinating as a gap between attention and action. According to the article in The Association for Psychological Science, there’s no single type of procrastinator, but several general ideas have emerged over years of research.
“Chronic procrastinators [struggle with] finishing tasks, while situational ones delay based on the task itself. A perfect storm of procrastination occurs when an unpleasant task meets a person who’s high in impulsivity and low in self-discipline… All told, these qualities have led researchers to call procrastination the “quintessential” breakdown of self-control.”
When you’re delaying a long list of small tasks, you may find yourself “snowballing” them, making these tasks feel larger and more daunting than they are. (I often use this term with my kids!) Are you guilty of catastrophizing? Do you tend to make minor tasks seem overwhelming, postponing them as a result?
Catastrophizing is an example of black-and-white thinking that focuses only on the negative. When you have ADHD, you may tend to do this. And, with a procrastination habit, it can be super easy to convince yourself that a task is bigger than it is.
Are you putting something off because of a values clash?
Procrastination can also be a reflection of your values. Perhaps you value friendship and connection over the work you do. It may feel like you can’t do something, especially when you’re spending time doing something you love. Do you truly value your time? Do you expect more from yourself than others? Are you working on the right tasks? If your procrastination stems from undervaluing yourself, it’s time to rethink your purpose and focus on what you excel at in your business. Delegate the rest to those who can support you better.
Do you procrastinate because you lack skills?
Another key reason for procrastination can be a skills gap. Are the tasks you’re delaying easy for you to complete? Do you have the right tools, knowledge, and resources? If not, maybe it’s time to seek professional help or find the right tools. My husband always says, “The right tool makes any job easier.” Don’t hesitate to outsource tasks that drain your time and energy.
Procrastinating may highlight a prioritizing problem
Finally, procrastination might come down to prioritization. Are the tasks you’re putting off low in importance? Do you find yourself stuck in a loop of choosing easy wins, the “low-hanging fruit”? I catch myself doing this sometimes. For example, writing blogs requires deep focus for me, but during busy summer days with my kids around, I often delay my writing. It’s a priority, but I fail to prioritize my need for uninterrupted time. If this resonates with you, it’s time to carve out dedicated time for your most important tasks, perhaps by setting up childcare or creating a more structured schedule.
Your Action Plan
- List five tasks you’ve been procrastinating on.
- Identify the next action needed to move each task forward.
- Estimate how long this action will take.
- Prioritize based on the highest return on investment.
- Block out time on your calendar for each task.
No more excuses—start getting it done!
New research in 2024 indicates that 88% of adults report procrastinating at least once a day, often on mundane tasks. Yet, simply tackling these smaller tasks first can improve your overall productivity by 30%! By addressing the core reasons for procrastination, you’re setting yourself up for success in both your personal and professional life.
