One of the most destructive effects of procrastination is the feeling of being out of control. Procrastination acts like an invisible force, keeping you from doing the very things you know you must do. With increasing demands on our time and attention, procrastination has become a chronic problem, especially for those who strive to succeed. Procrastination often sets in when you feel overwhelmed by the many “have to’s” in life, leading to taking on too much without getting any of it done.
The Science of Procrastination
Research suggests that procrastination is often linked to anxiety, perfectionism, and low self-esteem. A study by Steel (2007) found that procrastinators tend to have higher levels of anxiety and lower self-efficacy compared to non-procrastinators. By addressing these underlying factors, individuals can effectively combat procrastination. Here are five empowering procrastination tips to help you regain control and effectively deal with procrastination.
It’s All Inside
Procrastination is an internal process, and while it might feel like it’s happening to you, you are actually responsible for it. This realization can immediately put you back in control. Procrastination is not an external force but an internal response and evaluation. Understanding that you are the one doing it to yourself gives you the power to do something about it.
It’s All You
When procrastination drags you down, it’s easy to think that it “just is” and that you can’t do anything about it. This feeling of helplessness is what makes you feel out of control. To break free from procrastination, you need to develop two important beliefs: that you can overcome procrastination and that you can overcome procrastination. No one else can do it for you. Since you created it, you can also un-create it.
It’s All in Your Head
Fear is the root cause of procrastination. At the most fundamental level, procrastination comes down to fear. What you don’t face controls you. To overcome fear and the resulting procrastination, you need to confront and do the very things you’re avoiding. As soon as you take action, you take charge, and it no longer has control over you. Remember, fear only exists in your imagination—it’s always about something that hasn’t happened yet. Procrastination is not real; it’s merely how you evaluate things in your mind.
It’s All About Conditioning
Success in any area of life relies on consistency. The best performers are those who can repeat their greatness consistently. Consistency comes from conditioning. When you do something repeatedly, it becomes normal and automatic. This principle applies to both positive and negative behaviors. If procrastination is your conditioned response, you will always feel out of control. To change this, you need to recondition yourself to respond differently. Teach yourself new habits and responses through consistent practice.
It’s All About Awareness
Procrastination serves a purpose, and recognizing its benefits is crucial. We procrastinate about things that matter to us. If taking action on something didn’t benefit you in some way, you wouldn’t feel bothered by procrastination. Be grateful for procrastination and use it as a guide to understand what you need to act upon. Developing awareness of your actions and inactions empowers you to take charge of yourself on a higher level.
Being empowered means realizing that you already have the power and using that realization to take action. Remember, overcoming procrastination is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and don’t give up. You have the power to take control of your life and achieve your goals.
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