"I Really Want To Do It, But " And How Else Do We Rationalize Procrastination

2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43

“I really want it! It will make my life better! Why am I constantly putting it off for later? - each of us has ever asked such a question.

Automatic replies can be as follows:

• There is no time for this on my schedule now
• I'm not ready mentally / physically yet
• I do not feel motivated for this, it is better to wait for the "more successful" moment
• I will definitely do this, but before that I need to (and then a list of "very important things", such as "do general cleaning of the apartment", "reply to all messages on social networks", watch an endless series, etc.)
• First, I need to study all the literature on this topic, analyze all existing sources, and only after that I can start

It turns out that I have a beautiful image in my head that I aspire to and, perhaps, I even know what actions I need to take, but things do not move beyond fantasies and promises to “start on Monday”.

The awareness of time passing by, the need to get together and finally do something can cause anxiety, and in order to cope with it, the psyche slips us into not the most constructive ways.

And then we either show chaotic and erratic activity that has nothing to do with our goal (according to the principle: the main thing is not to sit idly by, but just to do something, I’m busy with something, so I’m done), or we convince ourselves of futility of any efforts (why do something when all attempts are doomed to failure), or we “seize” stress, or combine all these methods with any other no less “useful”.

How does a dream transform into a psychological burden?

Probably, a person who notices a constant postponement of "undertakings" initially draws in his imagination an ideal result.

If he thinks about taking up photography or painting, then he fantasizes about how his works cause general admiration and are almost exhibited in leading galleries, if he dreams of learning Italian, then be sure to speak it at the level of native speakers, etc. etc.

The buzzword "procrastination" is often associated with perfectionism. The obsessive pursuit of excellence reduces the effectiveness of the activity, and in some cases, prevents it from starting.

What's wrong with perfectionism?

• A perfectionist deliberately sets an extremely high bar (the expected result of himself is objectively above average) and is almost never satisfied with what he has done, which destroys the motivation for further actions
• The perfectionist is guided by the "all or nothing" rule, which allows only two options: full compliance with high standards or complete collapse
• The perfectionist is equally committed to success and avoidance of failure; there is a conflict of motives and, as a result, a dead end
• Any mistake is perceived as a final failure.
• High expectations create tremendous mental pressure, which the nervous system tries to reduce through self-regulation. At a conscious level, a person convinces himself to take the will into a fist and act faster, and at the unconscious level of functioning, the opposite happens - the body relaxes

We are often under the illusion that the achievement of what we want must necessarily be accompanied by pleasure and ease throughout the process. Alas, this belief often prevents us from moving towards what was planned.

What can be done now to get closer to the set goal?

Explain to yourself what exactly you need to achieve this goal, what will change for the better in the end? What happens if you drop this idea and do not achieve this goal?

• Break a large task into many small steps and incorporate the small activity into your daily schedule. The goal is to develop a habit.
• Celebrating small accomplishments, giving yourself positive reinforcement
• Think about how you can do it better without devaluing your results
• If the task is related to writing a large text (term or thesis, dissertation, or report / presentation, etc.), fill in the draft with sketches, any ideas, the main thing is to avoid the effect of a blank sheet