Why do I procrastinate?

As pointed out on the page about Your Work (though it’s true in every area of life), procrastination can be a real curse.

Because I’m much happier now, I procrastinate far less than I did but I used often to spend whole days engaged in what therapists call ‘intrapsychic struggle’. What this involves is my deciding I ought to achieve A, B and C today, if not D, E and F as well. Hey, it’s Saturday and we’re less likely to be interrupted by work calls, so let’s add G to the list as well. I’ve been working all week and would really benefit from some time off (that’s actually what weekends are for but I used to view them primarily as opportunities to get more done). So I attack A reluctantly and soon allow myself to be distracted. When I catch myself having ‘wasted’ time playing on Facebook or ringing a friend, I get furious and turn the full force of my sarcastic rage on my miserable inner self, who just wanted to have some fun.

Time spent in intrapsychic struggle is the worst of both worlds. You are not working but you’re certainly not relaxing either. As discussed in my previous post, ringfence leisure time and not only will you get more done, you'll have a more fulfilling life.

Deviously having fun when I'm 'meant' to be working is only one form that my procrastination has taken over the years but, however it manifests itself, what is lurking behind it is insecurity.

It was largely thanks to the book I’ve recommended on the site, Neil Fiore’s The Now Habit, that I discovered what my procrastination was all about. It explores the reasons behind procrastination and helps to combat it by debunking some myths.

If you tend to put off until tomorrow what you wish you had done today, get yourself a copy of The Now Habit and find out why. This won’t transform you into an action-hero overnight, of course, but once you understand your motivations, it’s so much easier to change your behaviour.