Why You Procrastinate and How to Overcome It

The reason for your procrastination often lies in the negative emotions that are associated with taking a specific action. It's not uncommon for many tasks to trigger a sense of dread simply by thinking about them. Whether it's something as mundane as going to the gym, doing taxes, making an unpleasant call, or even cleaning the toilet, the mere thought of these actions can be enough to make us want to put them off.

Procrastination is not necessarily a result of laziness, but rather a response to the emotions that we anticipate feeling when we engage in these tasks. Our brains are wired to try to avoid negative emotions, and as a result, we often find ourselves procrastinating.

However, it's important to remember that we have the power to choose whether to follow our emotions or not. While it may be challenging to face uncomfortable tasks head-on, it is certainly possible to do so. In fact, procrastinating will only lead to more negative feelings in the long run. So, why not save yourself the trouble and just tackle the task now?

While a bit of procrastination is acceptable at times, there are instances where immediate action is necessary. To overcome procrastination, consider implementing the following tips:

1. Pay attention to the physical sensations that are triggered by the task. Take note of where you feel the negative sensation in your body and observe how it changes as you confront the task.

2. Find ways to make the task more manageable, such as breaking it down into smaller steps or seeking assistance from others.

3. Reward yourself after completing the task as a way to motivate yourself to continue taking action.

4. Focus on the positive feelings that you will experience once the task is complete.

5. Start small by committing to work on the task for just five minutes. Often, getting started is the hardest part.

6. Don't be afraid to reach out to others for support to make the task more bearable.

7. Be resilient and push through the resistance to get things done.

Successful individuals are able to overcome the urge to procrastinate by finding ways to minimize the discomfort associated with tasks. By focusing on the benefits of taking action, completing your tasks, and rewarding yourself for a job well done, you will undoubtedly feel a sense of accomplishment and relief once it's all over.