I was reading through some blog comments and one in particular struck me. To paraphrase, the reader said that she tried to write down just three To-Dos, rather than the 20 that were floating around in her head, but never even got around to accomplishing just the three. She commented that, “procrastination is such a funny thing.” It made me think a little, what is procrastination and why do we, who wish to be productive, procrastinate?
I certainly put off doing certain tasks I just don’t like doing. I put off making phone calls to HOA to report a leaning tree, calling the orthodontist to make a consult appointment, and mailing packages. I simply don’t like doing these tasks. I do like surfing the Internet for pretty textured wall papers, sketching my interior decorating ideas, jotting down hardware store shopping lists. So, yes, with even just three Must-Dos on my daily To-Do list, I don’t always accomplish them all. But my dislike doesn’t make those “Must-Dos” any less important.
I decided to look “under-the surface” and think about why I am putting off the tasks I don’t like doing. I am worried about the pain, recovery time, and expense to extract my wisdom teeth (yes, I still have all 4 in my very overcrowded mouth. And my mouth now aches as I am writing this article.) I am “shy” about calling people I don’t know to ask for things eventhough I know it is the HOA’s responsibility to care for their property. And I feel it is such a tremendous effort to drag two little ones and a package into the post-office. (I only have two hands, one for each kid, and the package gets carried how…you get the idea. Oh, and did I mention the doors do not automatically open for strollers.)
These are all very valid reasons I avoid these tasks and I do need to acknowledge my feelings. But I also need to managed with these feelings. I realize that the phone call to the HOA is certainly worth the insurance hassel I’d go through if I suddenly found a tree in my master bedroom. So, maybe I need to just buck-up and pick up the phone, remembering all the while what it would look like if there was a tree in my bedroom.
So, I’d suggest to all you procrastinators out there, ask why you procrastinate? What is it about that TO-DO task that makes you feel uncomfortable, itchy, achy, shy, or just plain, out of your element. Then ask what is the opportunity cost for not accomplishing that task? Is a tree in my bedroom worth my putting off that phone call because I am feeling “shy”? In this case the uncomfortable call is worth the preventing a tree in my home. That doesn’t mean I need to make the call today, but the next time I put this down on my to-do list, I’ll remember that image of a tree coming through my roof and that will help me make that call. Maybe if the cost of not accomplishing that task isn’t great it doesn’t need to be done now. I rely upon my family to understand it is hard for me to get packages in the mail with two little ones, and then I have my husband UPS them from his work a day late if necessary.
So thank you to the reader who wrote that comment about procrastination being a funny thing. It really made me think and helped me understand why I procrastinate, and how I can become more productive.
Do you have least favorite tasks? Do you know why you procrastinate and put them off? Are there tricks and tips you use to become more productive? Leave a comment here and help other readers enhance their productivity. Happy Organizing!
Sarah, I think you are right about the not wanting to cook dinner procrastination. When I am hungry, and tired, a good dinner is what I need to re-energize. But you are so right that the problem is that you simply don’t want to make it happen! Thanks for your thoughts!
Thanks for the post. I am a serious procrastinator, but, for me at least, I certainly don’t think it’s as simple as putting off the tasks I least like doing.
Some examples: I don’t really like studying, housework, or exercise. When I’m supposed to study, I often find myself decluttering, cleaning, or tidying. Or I have the sudden urge to be active and get on our static cycle. When I know I really need to do a workout because I haven’t for three weeks, or I need to clean for an upcoming flat inspection, my mind switches to study mode and starts contemplating theory, begging me to take notes. I also love cooking, but when dinner time is nearing, sometimes I just can’t bring myself to get up and start. Instead I sit on the internet wasting time even although when that activity brings me no joy.
For me, the problem seems to be avoiding doing the tasks because they are the most important. When I avoid doing the task, it can be because thinking about a task that needs doing causes me anxiety (about doing it well, in-time). When I avoid doing the task I avoid thinking about it and avoid the anxiety – even if I know that putting it off will make it worse. This of course escalates – because thinking about a task that I’ve put off but still need to do leads to even greater anxiety.
Another occasional reason for procrastination for me, I think, it a mismatch between the energy I currently have and the tasks that need doing. When I’m restless I can’t get my head around academic work, but I can scrub the bathroom. When I’m sleepy it’s easier to stay in front of the TV than to get up and walk to the bedroom for an early night. When I need to cook, I’m getting hungry, which often leaves me either weak or cranky.
Sometimes, though, procrastination can be a good thing (I may just be reaching for straws here!) – if I’m procrastinating from one thing, I’m often increasing my productivity in another area!
Mandi, good point, it can seem productive to cross things off our to-do list. I find myself doing the things I “like to do”, or are easy to do first. But they aren’t necessarilly the most important, and those same things keep sliding, and sliding, and sliding.
Please do share when you find out why you put those to-do’s off!
Rana, thanks so much!
Chele, it is hard when your plate seems to be overflowing. There are definitely times, esp. around the holidays, when there are so many To-Dos I don’t know where to start. I like puzzel games a lot. So I start by setting aside a good chunk of “investment time” to get my head on straight. I write all the to-dos I can think of on scraps of paper. I arrange them in categorical piles. Then I sort through each pile, and prioritize them (or order them), numbering the papers 1-n, and then write them in a list with “wish” deadlines to post prominently. Then I look at my weekly calendar and slot the times at the top of the lists in the times I have available. Some wks I have more time, and some less time. I keep in mind “be flexible, re-evaluate frequently, and that I am investing time to create calm in my life.” I don’t know if this will be the method you choose, but it might help inspire you to create a new hybrid method that helps you. Happy Organizing. Abbie
Ooh, good one. I am a horrible procrastinator. Lately my plate has been so full that I’ve still managed to appear productive while procrastinating, but even if I’m getting *something* done, I’m not sure it justifies putting off the things I should be doing!
I think I do it because…I really don’t know. Because I’m lazy is my first thought, but I’m thinking there’s something more to it. I’m going to be thinking about it some more!
Awesome post Abbie! I now need to really think about it but I have to share this. I think I have too many things on my to do list. So much I want to do or need to do but I never know where to start! I have tried many different things but I can’t find something that works for me! I am excited to see the responses you get here! Thanks for sharing this!