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Steps to Stop Procrastination

To stop procrastination each person needs to set a strategic program for effectively overcoming procrastination and for getting things done. When we procrastinate less we're doing things now and not waiting for the last minute.

Procrastination is a behavior that is characterized by postponing actions or tasks to a later time. This condition is often cited as a mechanism for coping with anxiety about completing any task or decision. Interestingly, psychologists have categorized procrastination as counterproductive, needless and delaying.

Many individuals find that procrastination results in stress and a sense of guilt over their lack of productivity. In some cases procrastination creates a crisis situation at work or at home and results in disapproval from others in their life. Unfortunately, these feelings can also promote even further procrastination.

It is human nature for people to procrastinate for some degree, but it causes a problem when an individual finds that it stops normal functioning either at work or at home.

Psychologists have found that this is also a symptom of an underlying psychological or physiological condition.

All of us who procrastinate work hard and struggle to shake off this condition. We may plan, schedule, write down lists, promise ourselves and make resolutions but generally achieve only a short time success and then fall back into old habits. The problem often goes beyond self-discipline and can be a symptom of a set of problems that defy one single simple solution.

Stop Procrastination

Procrastination is peripherally related to time management. People who procrastinate often know exactly what they should be doing, even if they can't do it.

Characteristics of procrastination includes people who are remarkably optimistic about their ability to complete a task on a tight deadline accompanied by a belief that everything is under control. For instance, a college student is given 15 days to finish a paper but knows that it will only take 5 days. Lulled into a false sense of security the time passes and soon realizes that there isn't enough time to complete the task.

Characteristics of individuals who suffer from procrastination include low self-confidence, stubbornness, manipulation, decreased ability to cope with pressure, a feeling of being a victim and believing they are too busy to accomplish their tasks.

Psychologists believe there are four very simple explanations for individuals who suffer from procrastination which include

• the task is too difficult for them to achieve 
• the task will require a large block of time and large blocks of time are unavailable in their schedule 
• there is a lack of knowledge or skill in order to complete the task 
• a fear that people will know they failed or are unsuccessful. 

Other more complex reasons for individuals for experiencing procrastination are perfectionism, anger and hostility, or a low tolerance for frustration. Perfectionism is the unrealistically high expectations or standards that everything must go right. It is usually self imposed and the individual is very critical of themselves and others without offering much praise.

When people are unhappy or upset with another individual, such as their boss, they often withhold their best effort. People who suffer from low tolerance to frustration often feel overwhelmed easily and find situations intolerable and terribly unfair.

Individuals who suffer from procrastination often have problems asking for help because of the misunderstanding that people have about the condition. One symptom, aversion to task completion, is often misinterpreted as laziness or a lack of willpower.

The previous article is about Time Tracking Software.

Other wiki resources: set goals; delegating authority; things that rob your time; procrastination; anger control