The Truth About Procrastination

Aly Pain talks about procrastination, including the actual science behind as studied by Dr. Piers Steel, author of "The Procrastination Equation". Procrastination, delaying or prolonging an activity, is something we all do at some level, yet we seem to kid ourselves about the real prices we pay in doing so.

When we put off doing what we said we are going to do, we loose the confidence of others (if you are a leader at work, there is little worse!!) and more importantly we loose confidence in ourselves. Our cup of self-esteem starts to trickle out the bottom through the procrastination hole and over time, we commit to less and less as our own belief that we will follow through diminishes.

Procrastination is not about being lazy!! People who procrastinate make great intentions just like the rest of us. There is no point in beating yourself or anyone else up until we clearly understand what is behind the behaviour. Procrastination is a lack of motivation, broken down into three parts.

1. The Power of Expectancy - My own belief in myself to complete a task, including my relative skills. The Fear of Failure plays a large part of hijacking this one.
2. Value - My desire to complete a task. How badly do I really want it?
3. The Power of Immediacy - Managing your stimulus so you don't get hijacked by the emotional side of your brain by creating conscious triggers and installing planning and structure

The next time you find yourself procrastinating or in the presence of it, ask questions that find out the true root before going to shame yourself or anyone else into getting the task done.

Do you (they) have the skills and belief in themselves to complete the task?
How badly do you (they) want it or how can you find an internal reason that matters to increase the value?
What conscious and positive triggers do you need to set in place to ensure the task gets completed?
What pre-planning is needed to support the task?

Procrastination is not an inherent flaw to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It is a complex process in the brain that requires understanding. When you address it in three, simple parts, you increase your chances of completion by 8 times!! That is worth the higher confidence levels in yourself and those around you.

What is your experience with procrastination? Have you found a way to bust through? Leave a comment and let me know.