The effects of procrastination and how to overcome them

We’ve all been there. You have a task you need to complete but you keep putting it off and off until it you can no longer avoid it. This is known as procrastination.

The consequence of procrastination is that you might not complete the task to the highest standard, or you might not get the result you were hoping for. Avoiding procrastination is key to maximising productivity and efficiency at work and achieving your career goals.

So why do we procrastinate and how can you avoid it?

Why do we procrastinate?

People often procrastinate because they are afraid of failing. In addition, people will often put tasks off if the benefits will be felt in the future but not right now. Experts refer to this as a “present bias”. Present bias occurs when individuals emphasise the present rather than the future.

Why should we avoid it?

Employers value employees who complete tasks ahead of time. By procrastinating, you are limiting your ability to complete tasks within a reasonable timeframe. Completing tasks early will impress your boss and increase your chances of getting a promotion or pay rise.
In addition, procrastination may have negative impacts on your mental health. It may make you feel unproductive and lazy, reduce your confidence and impede you from fulfilling your career goals, reducing your job satisfaction.

How to avoid procrastination?

Be clear about the task

People often procrastinate because they are unclear on what performing a task would actually involve. If your boss has given you a task you don’t quite understand, don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Take small steps

Many people may procrastinate as they are concerned about the sheer volume of tasks in front of them. This can leave you unsure of where to start.
To break this habit, you should break tasks into small, manageable steps. By ticking off smaller tasks, you can give yourself some momentum and feel a sense of accomplishment which can help motivate you to complete larger tasks.

Improve your self-perception

If you regularly procrastinate, you may begin to think of yourself as lazy. However, you should stop and ask those around you if they think you are lazy. Then, visualise yourself being productive and imagine how this feels.

Focus on the upside

Try to focus on the positive outcomes that will result from completing an action. Ask yourself how you would feel if you completed the task and how completing the task could help you move forward.

Set a deadline

Try to set a deadline for completing a task. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time, but don’t make the deadline too long, or this will encourage you to keep putting the task off.

Manage your energy levels

To maximise your energy levels, make sure you are getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Try to complete the most difficult tasks during the time of the day when you typically have the most energy, such as first thing in the morning.

Adjust your role

While we all have to complete tasks we don’t enjoy, if your boss is frequently giving you tasks that you don’t enjoy or you don’t know how to complete, it might be worth asking if they can adjust your role.

By avoiding the trap of procrastination, you will be well on your way to achieving your career goals.

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