Getting to the Core of Procrastination

There are numerous strategies available to combat procrastination. I have shared several in my previous articles, such as eliminating distractions or breaking down daunting tasks into smaller, manageable parts. However, to achieve long-lasting results, you need to delve deeper into the reasons behind your procrastination. At its core, procrastination stems from the feeling that you must complete a task against your own will.

But let's be honest: your work isn't inherently unpleasant, is it? Usually, it's something you agreed to do at some point. Or perhaps there is a part of you that disagrees... Are you being held captive by procrastination?

It's likely that a part of you resists the task at hand. That part is tempted to browse the internet, check your emails, or see if a friend has posted a hilarious cat meme on social media. Throughout the day, you find yourself battling against this side of you. In the morning, when your energy is high, you often come out victorious. However, as the day wears on and your willpower diminishes, the struggle becomes exhausting, leading to increased procrastination as you suppress your desires.

The Big Breakthrough

How can you negotiate a truce between these conflicting aspects of yourself? Do you need to convince yourself that your work is enjoyable when you know it isn't? Let's explore an alternative approach.

What if you weren’t "obligated" to complete this task? Allow me to clarify. In his book "The Power of Now," Eckhart Tolle proposes a profound exercise. He states:

"Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it."

This concept is revolutionary. It shifts your perspective from being a victim of your responsibilities to becoming an active participant in your life. Essentially, you are the creator of each moment. This realization eliminates the feeling of being coerced into completing your tasks, thereby reducing your tendency to procrastinate.

Whenever you catch yourself procrastinating over an "unpleasant" task, remind yourself that you have chosen to engage in it. After all, consider the series of events that led to this moment: Did you not wake up this morning on your own? Did you not express a desire for this job during your interview? Did you not pursue your education to secure this type of position?

Theory X and Theory Y

To illustrate the effectiveness of this mindset, let's examine Theory X and Theory Y, a well-known motivational theory by Douglas McGregor.

In the context of management, there are two leadership styles: Theory X assumes that employees are inherently lazy and require incentives or punishment to complete their tasks, while Theory Y posits that employees have an intrinsic motivation to work and fulfill their responsibilities.

Each theory reinforces its own premise. Embracing Theory X often leads to passive and disengaged employees, whereas Theory Y fosters proactive and self-motivated individuals.

Now, how does this relate to our earlier discussion? By acknowledging that you have chosen to undertake a task, you align yourself with Theory Y. This perspective encourages you to believe in your own initiative and motivation, ultimately reconciling the part of you that contributes to procrastination.

Once this internal conflict is resolved, the possibilities are endless!

On February 1st, 2022, I began a 100-day writing challenge. This marks post number 28.

The first video discusses four effective techniques to conquer procrastination and regain focus.

The second video offers strategies for finally overcoming procrastination once and for all.