By Bronwyn Ison
Procrastination by definition is the act or habit of circumventing or delaying. Especially something requiring immediate attention. Successful people do not put off what can be done today for tomorrow. Each and every one of us has delayed a task. We seem to forget inevitably we will need to perform. Research tells us, twenty percent of people identify themselves as procrastinators. Why would someone sabotage or create strife in their life when they have the choice to attack a task or not?
Unfortunately, for the inveterate procrastinator it affects every aspect of their life. It is likely the procrastinator is late paying bills, eliminates opportunities, delays filing tax returns and shops for Christmas on Christmas Eve. If this sounds like you, and you find this reflects you then you are not ready to make changes. As a parent I cringe at procrastination. If my daughter has a book report due at the end of month, you can bet the paper will be completed the week prior. There is nothing worse than sitting with a crying and frustrated child the night before a project is due. Plus, what kind of message does this send to your child? It creates problematic issues and stress unnecessarily. Therefore, procrastinators are made and not born.
Why do people delay what can be done today for tomorrow or a later date? Psychologist, Dr. Ferrari research indicates there are three basic types of procrastinators:
- Arousal types, or thrill-seekers, who wait to the last minute for the euphoric rush.
- Avoiders, who may be sublimating fear of failure for fear of success. In either case, are very concerned with what others perceive of them; they would rather have others think they lack effort than ability.
- Decisional procrastinators, who cannot make a decision. Not making a decision absolves procrastinators of responsibility for the outcome of events.
The delay in handling tasks at hand is a much deeper-rooted issue than one may perceive. Unfortunately they deceive themselves acting as though they perform better under pressure or feel more creative within deadline. While each of us may enjoy the rush of working on a deadline, the difference is proper preparation versus not.
There are big health risks for procrastinators. Research tells us college students who put tasks off have compromised immune systems resulting in more colds, gastrointestinal problems and the flu. Delaying projects while working with others can and will be detrimental to everyone involved. One risks relationships and compromises financial rewards.
If this article speaks to you and you desire to make changes, commence gradually. If you have been a procrastinator all your life, you will not transition over night. Attempt tackling a project earlier than you have in the past. You will be surprised the freedom this will render.
“Successful people know the difference between patience and procrastination.” – Unknown
Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA (9642)
