The Negative Feeling I Avoid Is Worse Than the Work Itself
I remember scrambling, hunched over my chair, and typing as fast as I could as I tried to hurriedly finish an English assignment. The room, dark, as I didn't bother to turn the light on, using my computer's screen to see what I was doing. I finished the assignment at 11:59 PM. And boom.
The assignment is locked.
I tell myself I won't do that again. But I did?
It's a question I ask myself every time. Why do I keep procrastinating?
Because just like all things, "it’s easier to just... not do it."
Which is not something you should stand by, but is incredibly accurate.
I find myself being able to work or do tedious tasks, like work or chores.
But the moment I get distracted or take a break, I lose all momentum and motivation to continue.
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The truth is, you don't procrastinate on tasks. You procrastinate on the negative feelings you associate with it (boredom, stress, etc.)
I believe there are times when I’ve struggled to start a task because I would rather do something far more enjoyable.
I would constantly push back the clock, just to play 20 more minutes of a game or to watch one more video, an experience I am sure we’ve all done before.
"I'll do it at 11:00.... 11:05.... 11:10."
A common reason why people procrastinate is because of the prioritization of feeling better at the current moment, even though procrastinating leads to feeling worse later.
There are common tactics you can use to help you focus when starting tasks.
Like dividing large tasks into sections, eliminating distractions, finding an accountability partner, and using the 2-minute technique (if the task takes 2 minutes or less, do it immediately).
I find myself using a timer or the Pomodoro technique to be pretty helpful in getting me focused. Paired with music, I can get quite productive for hours.
Although I still procrastinate from time to time, I try to do better.
You got this.
