Procrastination

For the past few weeks, the weather has been alternating between scorching heat and drenching rainy days on an almost daily basis.

It is somewhat unusual during this time of the year for this part of Asia even after taking into consideration the inter-monsoon season.

That’s how I found myself at the laundromat one rainy day, to dry the bulkier laundry that couldn't be air-dried at home.

The machine informed me I had about 30 minutes to “not do anything” while it did its thing.

Watching the clothes tumbling around on medium heat, my thoughts drifted off elsewhere. The Beatles’ “I Am The Walrus”😆 droned in my head in tandem with these thoughts:

• Aren’t our lives like these clothes? Tumbling around in an eternal spin cycle, only coming to a halt when the timer stops abruptly?

• In the midst of this constant motion, there's a multitude of tasks that demand our attention – a never-ending list of chores, big and small.

• Unsurprisingly, these chores almost always come with its partner in crime - Procrastination!

Which in turn reminded me of an old classmate's message in my autograph book from years ago.

I was 15 then. I don’t think I grasped the meaning of those words.

My old friend who penned the words died a couple of years ago.

But over the years, his words have come to ring true.

The thief of time was and is a constant companion in the course of my life.

And it’s not going to leave the building anytime soon. 😀 

Is Procrastination bad?

According to research, not all procrastination is bad.

While persistent procrastination can lead to stress and other health-related issues, intentional stalling may not always be bad.

Can I Beat Procrastination?

Procrastination is usually seen as a productivity killer.

What I learnt though rather paradoxically, was that it can be turned into a tool for personal growth.

My research led me to this simple 3-step plan as a takeoff point:

1. Recognizing Procrastination

• Procrastination is the act of delaying tasks or actions despite knowing that they should be done.

• It often occurs due to a fear of failure, lack of motivation, or a desire for instant gratification.

Perhaps these 2 case studies can help identify the core issues:

• Andy frequently discusses his aspirations and things he'd like to do, but struggles to find the time for them.

• Other pressing matters often take precedence, causing him to put his grand plans for the future on hold.

Core problem: Unreasonable Expectations

• Jimmy has a strong desire to write but claims he lacks the dedication to accomplish it.

• Despite having numerous ideas and research materials at his disposal, he hasn't managed to transfer his thoughts onto paper - yet.

Core problem: A Lack of Motivation

Identifying the core reason for procrastination is the first step.

2. Accepting Procrastination

The second is to accept it. After all, it’s a part of human nature.

• Everyone procrastinates at some point in their lives.

• Instead of fighting it, if I can acknowledge it, I may be able to turn it into an opportunity for self-growth.

3. How To Beat Procrastination?

Now, this came as a complete surprise to me - Have Zero Expectations !

When I set the bar too high, chances are that I am setting myself up for failure.

Let’s take Andy in the 1st case study as an example.

If Andy wants to start exercising, he could do well to follow James Clear’s “Two Minute Rule” which is simply, “When you start a new habit, it should take less than 2 minutes to do.”

• By actually setting a lower entry barrier for himself, Andy can overcome his procrastination in stages.

• When Andy’s standards for achievement are too high, he will take longer to start going.

• His goal to “Run 3 kilometers” could be rewritten as “Tie my running shoes at 5 pm”.

Nearly any habit can be scaled down to this 2-minute version.

For Jimmy the wanna-be writer:

• His goal to “Write a story” could be transformed into “Write one sentence a day.”

Likewise, for anyone who wants to start reading seriously, it could be rephrased as:

• “Read one page daily”.

That’s it.

Break those grandiose plans down into bite-sized pieces.

They are much easier to accomplish.

And keep the procrastination blues at bay.

The key word: Forming Positive Habits

Wrapping Up:

A few things to remember:

• Procrastination isn’t always harmful. It can be beneficial when managed effectively.

• A slight tweak in mindset and planting new habits can morph procrastination into a stepping stone for self-growth.

• Seek support from a friend, or mentor. Disclosure: I have 2 close friends who keep me accountable weekly for my own well-being. 😅 

Further Action:

Check out The Pomodoro Technique - it seems to be an excellent tool for overcoming procrastination and improving one’s focus.

Basically, it teaches you to:

• Identify a task or tasks that needs to be completed.

• Set a timer for 25 minutes.

• Work on a task with no distractions.

• When the alarm sounds, take a 5-minute break.

• Repeat the process 3 more times.

• Take a longer 30-minute break and start again.

Recommended Reading:

Atomic Habits - by James Clear

The Power of Zero Expectations - Frances Ku

Trivia:

I did complete the laundry task that rainy day - which took a load off of my mind. 🙄 

Till next time.

Jude

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