Through an article entitled “Procrastination” featured on GoodTherapy, we are able to begin to see the difference between the natural tendency to put things off and chronic procrastination:
“One common misconception about procrastinators is that they have poor time management skills. While this may sometimes be the case, there are often deeper issues at play. Some research indicates that those who are prone to chronic procrastination may find help with emotional regulation and stress management more valuable than skills-training for time management. This is because procrastination may stem partly from an inability to cope with difficult emotions in the moment or from a fear of being unable to cope with negative emotion.”
This makes perfect sense; if we tend to have difficulty regulating our mood, or find a particular emotion upsetting, avoidance is one of the ways that we cope. The effects of chronic procrastination can create a defeatist-type cycle; one in which can affect our overall quality of life.
Two ways that the article featured on how to begin to reduce the tendency to procrastinate I particularly resonated with:
- Find accountability. This can include asking a friend or partner to help keep you on track; the process of doing so will help to create a sense of agency and accomplishment.
- Start small. Very often, breaking down a bigger issue in smaller steps helps us stick to the task at hand and not feel overwhelmed.
To read the full article which included effects of chronic procrastination and additional coping strategies: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/procrastination