None of this is copied from other articles. It’s all drawn from my personal experiences.
Procrastination isn’t something only introverts experience; extroverts face it too. In fact, a large portion of humanity struggles with it.
When we have a task at hand, we often push it back to the last minute for a brief moment of relief from thinking about it.
With so much going on, it can feel overwhelming. Who needs more stress when you’re already juggling so much, right?
That kind of thinking, once it becomes habitual, can seriously hinder your life in the long run.
So, What Are We Really Avoiding When We Procrastinate?
It’s easy to overlook why we procrastinate in the first place. Often, we prioritize tasks that aren’t urgent, thinking we can keep delaying them until we’re forced to act.
What we’re really avoiding is the mental energy required to think about and address the task.
But when you focus on what needs to be done and push through the mental resistance, you learn how to tackle challenges head-on.
Over time, this approach becomes a habit, and your brain starts prioritizing completing tasks.
I emphasize the importance of habit because it’s a powerful tool for self-improvement. Once something becomes a habit, it’s much easier to maintain.
As you build the habit of starting tasks despite initial resistance, you’ll find they aren’t as daunting as they seemed.
Your brain gradually builds confidence, and in turn, you begin to trust yourself more. You realize that the difficulty of a task doesn’t have to stop you from starting and seeing it through to completion.
Ease Into It: Don’t Overexert Yourself from the Start
This is crucial—very crucial.
When starting a new task, it’s vital not to dive in with all your effort immediately, as it can quickly overwhelm you.
Think of it like warming up before exercise: you start with stretches and a light walk before getting into the main workout. Skipping this warm-up can increase the risk of injury.
Similarly, when beginning a task, ease into it. This gradual approach helps you build focus and handle the details more effectively.
Here are a few examples:
Example One: When writing an article, start by jotting down any thoughts or ideas in a notepad. This warm-up helps you get into a flow before tackling the actual article. You’ll find it easier to transition into writing the final draft.
Example Two: Before running errands, engage in a light workout, take a shower, and get ready. Start with a simpler errand and gradually work your way to more demanding tasks. This preparation makes the overall process smoother.
Example Three: When studying for an exam, begin by reading something that interests you. As you get into the flow, gradually shift to more intensive studying. This approach can make studying feel less daunting.
TL;DR
Procrastination affects everyone, not just introverts, and can hinder long-term progress. We often delay tasks to avoid the mental effort required, but this habit can seriously impact our lives.
Understanding that procrastination is about avoiding mental energy can help us tackle challenges directly. Building the habit of starting tasks despite resistance can make them seem less daunting over time.
To ease into tasks, begin gradually. For example, jot down ideas before writing an article, start with simpler errands before more demanding ones, or read something interesting before studying. This gradual approach helps build focus and confidence.