From the course: Time Management Tips

Understanding why you procrastinate

From the course: Time Management Tips

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Understanding why you procrastinate

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- If you look up the dictionary definition of procrastination, it will say something like to delay or postpone action. Sometimes that's a good thing: positive procrastination. But negative procrastination is when you know you're supposed to do something soon and you keep pushing it off. This procrastination is counterproductive and is most often driven by an emotion that you're feeling. You may be afraid of how difficult the task will be, or perhaps you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Maybe the task makes you feel bored. Often we feel these emotions just before attempting to complete a task. Our brains are hardwired to resist change. This isn't all bad. Resisting change helps us be more productive. For instance, if you had the to think about how to brush your teeth every time, that would be counterproductive. So your brain creates a habit making it easy for you. But you need to be concerned when your brain is trying to stop you from doing something new that's positive, like work on a new task that will help you advance in your career. Learn to ignore the emotion you feel just before beginning a task. Instead, remember how you felt when you scheduled the task. Most often we feel good about the idea of completing something when we first schedule a time to complete it. There's a sense of satisfaction that just comes from putting it on the calendar. Remember that moment. Also, imagine how you'll feel after completing it. See yourself at the end feeling triumphant. Imagine the relief and sense of accomplishment you'll feel after the work is over. By ignoring the emotion you feel just before beginning a task and focusing on the positive emotions associated with scheduling and completing it, you can trick your brain to overcome negative procrastination.

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