This Is Why You Put Things Off

A couple of months ago (maybe even a bit longer), I had a call with someone who is a leader in money management and business. I had decided it was time to get serious about how I manage the money in my business and start acting more like an adult in this area. We had a great call, and I left feeling enthusiastic about how I could set up my business for the growth I intend to create. The number one step was to get my business bank accounts set up (rather than the very basic system I'm using now - I'm talking separate accounts for tax payments, profit, and so on). It's the setup all business owners should have.

BUT fast forward to today. Every time I access Asana (my project and task management system), guess what keeps coming up? Yep, it's a reminder to set up my business bank accounts. Why am I doing this? It's the narrative I have in my head - this is going to give me less freedom with the money that comes in. It's too hard! I don't have time for this. And the list goes on. Hello - procrastination!

Procrastination is the habit of avoiding something for some perceived gain. It's a form of self-sabotage with the root cause set in avoiding some form of discomfort. So, what are these triggers?

PROCRASTINATION TRIGGERS

Understanding why, you procrastinate can help you to become more aware and manage any unhelpful habits or behaviours (especially if they are interfering with your goals or areas of your life that are important to you). These triggers are often deeply rooted in your unconscious beliefs and past experiences, which shape the language you use, and impact on how you are feeling and your approach to things. Recognising and addressing these triggers can help you break free from the cycle of procrastination. Here are some common triggers:

Fear of Failure

Fear of not meeting expectations can be paralysing, causing you to put things off. This trigger is often rooted in anxiety about potential negative outcomes or judgment from others. The thought of failing can be so daunting that it feels safer to put off the task altogether. You may find that your inner dialogue might be full of "What ifs" and worries about disappointing yourself or others.

Perfectionism

The need for everything to be flawless before moving forward is a significant trigger. Perfectionism stems from a fear of criticism and a desire for approval. This relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to endless tweaking and revising, preventing you from completing tasks and moving on. The fear of producing something less than perfect makes starting or finishing tasks feel intimidating.

Feeling Overwhelmed

Large tasks can seem insurmountable, making it hard to even start. When you perceive a task as too big, it can cause you to freeze, as you feel unsure of where to begin. The sheer size and complexity of some projects can trigger feelings of helplessness and inadequacy, making procrastination a way to avoid facing that discomfort.

Lack of Motivation

When tasks don’t seem rewarding or engaging, they are easy to push aside. This trigger is often related to a misalignment with your values or interests. If a task doesn’t resonate with your goals or passions, it’s hard to find the drive to tackle it, leading to procrastination. The task feels like a chore, draining our energy and enthusiasm.

So there you have it, the root causes to why you might be delaying some important task. Becoming aware of how you respond to a task and knowing how you are ‘doing procrastination’ is a great starting point to break the cycle and develop more productive coping mechanisms.

The Emotional Impact of Procrastination

Procrastination isn't just a productivity killer; it takes a significant emotional toll. It can lead to stress and anxiety as deadlines loom and tasks pile up. Guilt and shame creep in when you realise, you're not meeting your own or others' expectations. This, in turn, breeds frustration and self-doubt, making you question your ability and worth. These emotions create a vicious cycle that can keeps you stuck if you don’t take action.

If procrastination is having a major impact on your life it may be worth considering reaching out to an NLP practitioner. They will work with you to release negative emotions and reframe your mindset to develop empowering beliefs, habits and behaviours that move you towards your goals. By understanding your procrastination triggers, you can make effective changes and break free from this cycle.

The productivity quiz is a quick and fun quiz to help you to uncover your procrastination profile and find strategies that work for you. If you are ready to nab the time thief and take control of your time, complete the quiz.