“I will just do it…!” is usually the comfortable reply. It is a normal occurancy for people delay or postpone doing and completing tasks. They often choose short-term comfort or distraction over long-term goals or responsibilities. This is what is called procrastination!

Procrastination is super common, especially with tasks that feel boring, overwhelming, or stressful.

The opposite of procrastination is Precrastination. This is the urge to finish tasks as soon as possible, even at the cost of extra effort or efficiency.

What are some of the most common things people postpone? This list gives out things people often postpone because they’re uncomfortable, overwhelming, or not instantly rewarding:

1. Health Appointments
   These include

• Doctor checkups
• Dental visits
• Mental health therapy
  The reason for postponing this is the fear of bad news or inconvenience.

1. Financial Decisions
   The delayed financial decision are:

• Budgeting
• Paying off debts
• Filing taxes
• Investing
  People prefer to delay this because they are confusing, or they feel they will handle in future.

1. Job or Career Moves
   Job moves can be done by:

• Updating a CV
• Applying for jobs
• Asking for a raise
• Starting a business or side hustle
  But people postpone this for fear of rejection, failure, or change.

1. Schoolwork or Studying
   School work involves:

• Research papers
• Exam preparation
• Thesis writing
  But consistently doing this tasks may feel big and mentally draining to some people.

1. Difficult Conversations
   In conversations people never consider:

• Apologizing
• Setting boundaries
• Giving feedback is urgent and requires immediate attention.
  They are delayed because they cause emotional discomfort. There is a fear of conflict or hurting someone.

1. Decluttering and Organization
   Such things as:

• Cleaning the house
• Organizing files/emails
• Donating unused stuff
  Are boring activities that seems to endless. People never feel like dealing with the whenever they occur.

1. Personal Development
   Personal development include:

• Reading
• Learning new skills
• Journaling or reflecting
  These activities are not taken seriously and with the urgency.

1. Self-care and rest
   One can care for themselves by

• Taking breaks
• Going on vacation
• Saying “no” to others
  But because people feel guilt or need to stay productive, they fear confronting the guilt. They avoid dealing with it.

1. Ending toxic situations
   Some situations are very toxic but because of their nature people would prefer to stay. They are:

• Quitting a draining job
• Leaving unhealthy relationships
• Cutting off bad habits
  The fear of the unknown or short-term pain will keep people in the relationships.

So what are some of the things you have postponed to do? What were your reasons?

Procrastination can feel harmless in the moment. Still, over time it can have a range of negative effects. These effects are both mental and practical.

Nonetheless, procrastination isn’t a personality flaw. it is a habit, and habits can change.

Let’s meet next as we explore strategies to overcome procrastination.

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