Procrastination
Everyone puts off doing things but for some people procrastination is a dysfunctional way of life. When we don’t do things we need to do for our own well being there is obviously something wrong. Knowing the cause is usually half way to a solution. So why do procrastinators procrastinate?
- Putting things off is often a form of resistance. No one particularly likes being told what to do, so if it is something others expect of us then procrastination can be a type of rebellion. But when it is something we need to do for ourselves, our immature ego self can still be resisting our mature, sensible self. Probably a part of all of us resents the demands of adulthood and longs for a perpetual childhood where we do as we please, not what we have to or should do.
- People with Avoidant Personality Disorder or other anxiety disorders can be great procrastinators. Avoidants are often in a constant state of anxiety and any extra demand on them is simply more than they can manage.
- People suffering depression and burnout also simply don’t have the energy to do all they need to do.
- Highly stressed people also procrastinate for the same reason.
- Narcissists can be major procrastinators because they expect other people to do things for them.
- Procrastination can be a form of passive aggression. If other people make demands on us but we don’t feel we can safely protest then passive aggressive acts can be the only option.
- Sometimes procrastination is our subconscious sending us a message. If we are putting things off, then perhaps they are things we don’t really want to do. Perhaps we are in a situation we don’t like or want or that is unhealthy.
- Either fear of failure or fear of success can stop us from attempting anything.
- An inferiority complex and a lack of belief that we can do it.
- We don’t believe we deserve rewards or successes.
- We are feeling lazy and unmotivated. The solution here is to develop goals and find something to get excited about.
- We aren’t using our imaginations to good effect. For example, like most people, I hate housework. Yet I also hate mess and dirt. So I’ve made cleaning the house as enjoyable as possible. I put on some lively music and use housework as an exercise routine.
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