Ever procrastinated? Ever had it compromise your schoolwork, personal productivity, or otherwise? Me too. That's why I took some time this summer to address it - so it doesn't get me again next year.
After taking a class on motivation theory last semester and exploring the issue of procrastination, I picked up a book called "The Now Habit," by Dr. Neil Fiore, which applies a lot of motivation theory to address the problem.
First off, procrastination is not simply a character trait - that is, you aren't "a procrastinator," but rather you experience procrastination at times just like you experience frustration sometimes. That should make sense, because surely you can think of some things that you do with no hesitation.
So, why do you procrastinate? When I tell you, you're going to doubt it. Here it is: you use procrastination as a defense mechanism to protect yourself from various threats to your self-worth. That is, delaying things is your mind's way of dealing with thoughts of being overwhelmed, of possible failure, or of not finishing something.
I had a hard time swallowing that at first, but tested it out over a week and found it to be true. The strongest evidence came when I told myself that I "must get this task done," yet hesitated. When I looked at it further, I realized that what I needed to do was poorly defined and, therefore, I wasn't confident I could do it. I took a few minutes to break down the steps and set a goal for each, and found it easier to tackle.
The next thing is to look at how we procrastinate. Everyone has their theory as to why Facebook, for example, eats away our time, but most of them are far-fetched and inaccurate; worse, many of the attempts to remedy Facebook addictions are very off-base.
Also, using Facebook is not always procrastination, because social networking is certainly valuable, interesting and fun. However, when there are other higher-priority tasks to be done, spending time on Facebook qualifies as procrastinating. The problem is not Facebook, though - it is the escape from the problem. The problem is that the tasks carry too much weight in determining your self-worth and you aren't confident you can do them; the resulting pressure averts you away from them - and toward Facebook.
If it's homework you're putting off, maybe you could meet up with a classmate or the instructor to discuss the assignment so you can get a better feel for it. Further, Dr. Fiore's book says you should put the assignment in perspective: It is only one of hundreds of opportunities in your academic career to show what you've got.
Another part of the solution involves changing your language; that is, move away from "I have to" in favor of "I choose to" when it comes to accomplishing tasks.
Further, plan your calendar in reverse, working from your goal (e.g. finishing the assignment) to smaller tasks to achieve the goal (read materials, discuss with classmates, break down hard parts).
The end is productivity, certainly, but also guilt-free playtime, just like being a kid again. So, move on this now - pick up the book (or another like it) and beat procrastination this summer.
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To supplement my limited-length article, this website does an excellent, thorough review of the book and the main points: http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2008/06/16/review-the-now-habit/
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Maybe if you didn't do something that loosely rhymes with procrastinated while thinking about being able to shine your pistol in public all the time you'd get more done.
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@Communist.. er, whatever you are. I'm not sure what your issue is with the article, but if you don't like our Constitution, there are plenty of other places for you to live. As for the article, good job Ken. The other website below is helpful too!
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I read a book one time too.
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haha where did that pistol line come from, man that was out of nowhere. so can people just be lazy anymore or is that now some sort of condition/disorder too? maybe not doing your homework can be ascribed to a lack of medical treatment now. i see some great possibilities with these theories.
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Well, I'm not sure how far procrastination goes before it becomes laziness, and whether or not that is a severe case of procrastination or another 'condition' in and of itself. I specifically studied procrastination as the antithesis of motivation in this class and into the summer. I wouldn't go as far as saying that laziness is a medical issue, but maybe the effects of years of procrastination and insufficient organization/planning - "learned helplessness" is a psych/education term that seems to relate to this notion. I intend for my next article to be about the popular book "Getting Things Done" and how the author's suggestions use motivation theory and address some of the same issues that are of concern in procrastination.
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ahh learned helplessness. I read a little about that in Freakonomics I think it was. maybe its something that causes laziness that would be the real issue. did that book go into other possible explanations? for me I think my procrastination comes from how I prioritize things at the time. sometimes id rather be golfing than doing homework. it gives me greater happiness at the time.
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I would agree that there are underlying issues that contribute to laziness. I think many look to our culture and see many things that have led to a "instant gratification or it ain't worth doing" mentality. That, of course, comes from many sources. The Now Habit didn't do a historical view of procrastination, in terms of how prevalent it is or possible sources. It would be interesting to look into, though! I agree with you on the prioritizing - it is certainly covered in the book (and in Getting Things Done, the next book I'm going to write about). Though, motivation theory would argue that you would prefer to learn (do homework, etc.) more if you had more confidence in doing it, versus performing (testing golf skills) or relaxing (a day on the course). Goal-orientation and mastery-orientation are descriptors that relate to what you're getting at there, too.
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i read the book "stumbling on happiness" that goes into why we choose to do activity A. so the book "now habit" goes into why we choose not to do activity B...or at least delay doing activity B? i suppose both books could be combined- we do activity A since it makes us happy whereas we choose not to do B so we don't think it will make us happy. i wish I had more time to read books like this but I am an engineering major so its not exactly in my textbooks. But i like exploring people's thoughts on the subject of why we do what we do. i'll try to make some time and give that book a chance.
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I haven't read that book, it sounds interesting. Now Habit does talk about why we don't do B, but moreso talks about how to take away the resistance to do B, so that you are just as willing to do it as A. Also, if B is of higher priority, which it often is, then you can get on it and get it done. I hope this helps, and I hope you pick up the book. It's an easy read. I have to stop commenting now, I just learned I'm not supposed to comment on my own article, but would be glad to continue this via email if you wish!
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Did you happen to sit down and think 'maybe studying procrastination itself is procrastination' Stop procrastinating and do something productive with your life.
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Not quite as ironic as you had hoped, WTF. Consider how much money companies spend on productivity/efficiency consultants, for instance, and I think you'll see that understanding the root causes of productivity drains outweighs the time "lost" studying it.
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I was going to post something but I am too lazy...maybe in a little while...
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I thought Hurricane Season was over
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I've read this 3 times, and it make no sense, Saul.
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