Are you the kind of person who often puts off important tasks until the last minute?  Is procrastination sabotaging your success?  If so, you’re certainly not alone – procrastination is an all-too-common problem for both men and women. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what procrastination is, some reasons behind procrastination, and why you should avoid it.   

Is Procrastination Sabotaging Your Success

What is Procrastination? 

Procrastination is the art of avoiding tasks that need to be done. We’re all guilty of doing it, but we should avoid it whenever possible. The longer we put off doing something, the more stressful it becomes. This is especially true for perfectionists who are afflicted with the idea that the task can never be completed flawlessly.  Procrastination can easily sabotage your success if you aren’t careful.

Breaking Down the Reasons Behind Procrastination

Let’s face it; we’ve all had moments in our lives when we procrastinated. Procrastination can be a real productivity killer, whether putting off a project until the last minute or avoiding a particular task altogether. But have you ever stopped to consider why you procrastinate in the first place? 

For some, it might be a fear of not being perfect or getting it right the first time. Some have a fear of failure or feel overwhelmed by the task. Others might overbook themselves and simply not have enough time to get everything done. 

Still, for others, it is a form of self-sabotage. And then there’s the shiny-object syndrome, where we get distracted by something else that seems more exciting or appealing. 

On the flip side, some people thrive on working well under pressure and perform better with a looming deadline. And, of course, there are those who are just plain lazy. 

Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize why we’re procrastinating so we can take steps to overcome it and be more productive. Don’t let procrastination sabotage your success. 

Why Should You Avoid Procrastination

There are many reasons why you should avoid habitual procrastination. Let’s look at a few important reasons. 

Reduces Your Productivity

Procrastination can have a significant impact on your productivity. When you procrastinate, you essentially put off tasks you should be completing. This can lead to a build-up of unfinished tasks, which can be overwhelming and make it difficult to get anything done. People who procrastinate often find that they are less likely to achieve their goals as they are constantly putting off taking action.

Can Lead to Stress

Procrastination can also lead to stress. When you procrastinate, you may rush to complete tasks at the last minute, which can be very stressful. The build-up of unfinished tasks can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Affects Your Health

Procrastination can also affect your health. When you put off tasks, it can lead to sleep deprivation and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on your physical health. Many people who procrastinate suffer from headaches and stomachaches. Chronic stress can also lead to health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

Wasted Time

Procrastination can also lead to wasted time. When people put off tasks, they often spend more time thinking about the task than actually working on it. This can lead to frustration and even resentment towards the task. Additionally, people who procrastinate often find that they miss deadlines and have to rush to complete a task, which can lead to mistakes.

Missed Opportunities

Procrastination can also lead to missed opportunities. When people put off taking action, they often miss out on chances to improve their situation. For example, someone procrastinating on looking for a new job may miss out on a great opportunity because they took too long to submit their resume. Additionally, procrastinating people may miss chances to make new friends or try new experiences because they are always putting off taking action.

Lower self-esteem

Finally, procrastination can also lead to lower self-esteem. When people put off taking action, they often feel as though they are not good enough or capable of completing the task at hand. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.

Damage Relationships

Procrastination can also damage your relationships. When you put off tasks, it can cause frustration and resentment in those who are affected by your inaction. For example, procrastinating on completing household chores may cause tension with your spouse or roommates. Additionally, chronic procrastination has been linked to social isolation and loneliness.

It Can Be Costly

Procrastination can also have financial consequences. For example, if you put off doing your taxes until the last minute, you may owe money to the government due to interest. Or, if you put off fixing a leaky roof, the damage may become so severe that it requires expensive repairs. In other words, procrastination can cost you both time and money.

Lowers Your Quality of Life

In general, procrastination can lower the quality of your life. That’s because when you regularly put off tasks, it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy. When you put off tasks, it prevents you from thoroughly enjoying your free time and leisure activities. The stress and anxiety caused by procrastination can also negatively impact your mood and overall well-being.

Procrastination can be a powerful enemy in completing important tasks. It can lead to feelings of guilt, high levels of stress, and falling behind on responsibilities. This can have serious negative consequences both in the short and long term. Procrastination can sabotage your success. But don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be this way! Our next post will identify the reasons for procrastination, the procrastination buckets you might see yourself in, and the various procrastination triggers. Then we will end the series with how to prevent and overcome procrastination so it doesn’t sabotage your success. So be sure to watch for our next post.

I Am Here To Help

I would love to speak with you to determine if I can help you accomplish your goals. If you need guidance on your career, I am here to help.   If you find yourself in a situation where you need career advice or support and want to talk about planning for your future, reach out to me,  Rachel Schneider, at Career Find, for a free Intro Call.