Are You Procrastinating?
Let's talk about why...

At this very moment, you’re putting something off. Right? You’re procrastinating, just as probably ninety percent of the world does from time to time. And it doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” with you. What it does mean, though, is that you may get less done than you’d like.

Over time I’ve come up with a few ideas on the Big P. Not that I’ve got it knocked myself, by any means. But I’m better with it than I used to be. And here are four major culprits that I think rule in the procrastination arena. Surely not the only ones, but heavy hitters all the same.

• Feeling overwhelmed by the project
• The “don’t-do-its (and siblings)
• The all-or-nothing syndrome
• Perfectionism

Feeling Overwhelmed
We live in a busy world, which you probably fit right into. So, at any given moment you’ve got a lot of balls in the air—any one of them ready to drop if you turn your back for even a moment.

No wonder the thought of tackling your desk or work table (or proposal, website, or garage) practically breaks you out in hives. You’ve got too damn much to do already! And quite possibly very little time to do it in. This I probably can't help you with, because you're too Busy to listen.

But let me share a secret I’ve learned the Hard Way. A surprising number of tasks and projects will fall right over and curl up their toes when facing a barrage of baby steps. All you have to do is start: just do one thing.

Then, by continuing to take even minute steps, you can eventually bust right through the task or project at hand. Even if it's ghastly or intractable. Click here to read more about the power of such steps.

The Don’t-Do-Its
Another reason you might be procrastinating is the “don’t-do-its,” which often rear their ugly heads at the worst possible moments. Like when you tell someone your dream or goal. So powerful can these villains be that, if you let them, they may hold you in place forever. Click here to read how the don't-do-its gleefully support you in putting off your goals and dreams.

All or Nothing
Yet another reason for procrastination relates to the all-or-nothing trap. If you become mired there, it’s generally because you don’t like to start anything you can’t finish—that hour or that day. So, you may never begin at all. A classic stand-off. Click on the link to read about a way to bypass the all-or-nothing procrastinating trap.

Perfectionism
With this, we enter slightly different territory. I don’t know that perfectionism so often leads to procrastination on beginning something. But it can sure keep you from finishing, which could perhaps be considered a form of procrastinating. Click here to read about this hazard that might be lurking around the projects you undertake.

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In the interest of full disclosure, it must be noted that not every person feels ready to curtail the Big P. The quotes below express that dissenting view quite nicely, I think:

• “The sooner you begin procrastinating, the more time you’ll have to catch up!” (“Curly Girl 26”)
• “Procrastinators of the world, UNITE…tomorrow!” (Brandon Barrette)

If you too are somewhat inclined to this view, Do Not neglect to read "Structured Procrastination," by the entertaining and erudite John Perry. And check out Procrastination Quotes, as well, for a lighter view of the topic. But before you go, why not join our list? Just fill in the form below.

[Click to return from Procrastinating to Just Do One Thing.]