Is there any logic behind postponing important activities indefinitely? Why do we develop paralysis when things need to get done? Understand what triggers procrastination and strategies to overcome it in 2024.
Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday.
Napoleon Hill
Starting a blog has been my dream for as long as I can recall. A few years ago, I started writing sparingly on Medium and enjoyed every bit of it. To have control over the look and feel of my content, I made plans to design a personal blog in 2019. Despite having all the plans ready, it is disheartening to admit that my blog project only got completed in December 2023. There are so many reasons why wrapping up this project took time – but the lack of skill or a detailed plan was certainly not on the list.
Like most people, you might be reminiscing about 2023 and what you could have achieved. But if you are like me, the problem isn’t really about setting goals or making plans. You already have everything organized. Your challenge, which has been mine for a long time, is doing the work – within the datelines. If you wish to take control of your time and projects, consider why you might be procrastinating from the list below. I hope this post helps you become self-aware and overcome procrastination in 2024.
Why do we procrastinate?
Self Doubt
I stopped writing because I felt inadequate after reading books by outstanding authors with skills I could only dream about. I questioned most of what I wrote – and they never saw the light of day. I spent days wondering if I had something new, fresh, or interesting to say that more enlightened people haven’t said already.
This thought process changed after reading Roger Seip’s book “Train Your Brain for Success.” It helped me understand that we all have something to give the world – we just need to believe it, mentally visualize it and take the risk. What separates achievers from procrastinators is their willingness to do the work regardless of their doubts.
Have you felt the same way about that job, project, course, or relationship? Remember that you have something unique to give in those areas – all you need to do is dive in.
Lack of accountability
Have you ever started a project enthusiastically but didn’t have the will to see it through? Well, I have, many times. As a recovering master in procrastination, I strongly suggest having someone who holds you to your word and reminds you of your goals when you become lazy. In other words, get an accountability partner. These people are invaluable.
My sisters are my accountability partners. I would not have completed my blog if they hadn’t constantly ridiculed my ever-planning and hardly-executing attitude. I love them for that.
Believing you have time
These past few years have been rough. From covid and beyond, I have watched people lose their lives through different means. As a result, I developed a profound appreciation of life. Until someone close to you dies, it is sometimes hard to realize that we don’t have much time on earth and that getting to old age is not guaranteed. One might feel uneasy thinking of death periodically, but this thought is necessary to catapult you into action.
Dr. Myles Monroe once said that the graveyard is the wealthiest place on earth because so many people went there without sharing their gifts with the world. Knowing that old age is a gift, not a guarantee, I will live each day intentionally as much as I can -. I suggest you do the same.
Fear of Naysayers
No matter how strong you are, some criticisms can hit a chord and leave you feeling devastated. Social media has enabled the flow of disapproval on a larger scale. With the rise of online trolls and mean comments, taking up the challenge to create something for mass consumption can paralyze even the best of us.
The fear of reproval is real and has kept me from doing what I love for a long time. However, we cannot become our better selves if we don’t get exposed to pressure. Also, not all critics mean harm. If you open your mind, you might learn something new from naysayers and improve your craft. So forget the naysayers – do it anyway.
Analysis Paralysis
This refers to one’s inability to make decisions due to overthinking. Analysis paralysis might be why you, like myself, have yet to start that project. I felt that I needed to have a perfect website to start a blog. But that was not the case. All I needed was to design the blog, write that post, publish it, write more, and get better with time.
Planning and not practicing never really achieves ideal results. It is self-destructive to wait for skill before practicing. No one becomes a professional at anything by just planning. So, start today and make 2024 worthwhile by executing your plans – beat procrastination.
Do you battle with procrastination? What are some tips you use to deal with it?
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