If you, having decided to do something, first poured yourself tea, then smoked on the balcony, stroked the dog, warmed up the cooled tea and set to work just before leaving the house - you are a procrastinator. And you are not alone - according to American scientists, about 20% of the adult population suffers from procrastination syndrome.
What is procrastination
Procrastination is a term from psychology that denotes a tendency to regularly put off unpleasant, but obligatory things for later. At the same time, the person is not lazy, does not lie on the couch, and does not watch movies instead of working. He turns on the computer, opens the documents, but decides to make himself coffee first, then checks the mail, opens the letter and reads out the sent article, i.e. busy all the time.
An hour later, the man recalls that he was going to work, but suddenly begins to clean up on the table, being full of the belief that it will be easier for him to work so, and after that he goes to water the flowers. As a result, the procrastinator spends his time on unnecessary things, while he does not rest, and the work is not done.
Causes of Procrastination
Psychologists believe that procrastination can occur as a result of several reasons. The main factor, as a rule, is boring unloved work. In second place is a lack of understanding of their goals in life. If a person has difficulty imagining why he should do a project, write a diploma or learn a compromise, it will be quite difficult for him to get down to business.
Procrastination also affects people who are afraid to make a mistake and for this reason who are afraid to take up the job, or, on the contrary, perfectionists who want to do everything in the best way and therefore miss all deadlines. Finally, pro-casters may simply not be able to properly allocate their time and prioritize.
Please note - sometimes the reason for the inability to force oneself to do business can be covered in vitamin deficiency, low hemoglobin level or another disease that reduces activity and performance.
How to deal with procrastination
Fortunately, psychologists offer treatments for procrastination. First of all, you need to realize that it is present, and tune in to the fight. After all, in the end you will have to do the very things that scare you so much.
Procrastinators not only spoil relationships with colleagues and others because of tasks not completed on time. They also have health problems due to constant nervous tension.
Take time planning. Break things into blocks, write down how much time you will work on each block and how much time to rest. Get a special diary where you will fix your plans.
Change your attitude towards responsibilities. Do not tell yourself "I have to do this." Replace this phrase with "I will do it of my own free will."
If you constantly focus on the performance of a particular type of work, think about whether you could delegate this to someone, taking on part of the duties of this person.
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