“Procrastination is not a time management problem. It’s an emotional management problem.”
Dr. Tim Pychyl
Years ago, I decided to start listening to a podcast, instead of doing the work I should have started. It was called iProcrastinate, a podcast with researcher Dr. Tim Pychyl. I distinctly remember he discussed procrastination as not an issue of time management. It is more of a tool of feelings management. Well, that’s my paraphrase, anyway. I don’t procrastinate because I can’t figure out how to use my time well; I procrastinate because I believe it would be a better use of my time to do something more comfortable. The task could be uncomfortable for any number of reasons. Maybe I don’t feel confident in my writing skills, maybe I’m afraid of the physical pain of working out, or maybe I don’t want to deal with rejection as the result of the phone call. So I put off those tasks and do whatever else I find soothing instead. I feel better now, until the time pressure gets to me.
There are people who think they do amazing work at the last minute because, “They thrive under pressure.” (Me, myself, and I, we are the people.) In reality, the idea of missing an important deadline is a lot more uncomfortable. When the choice is between continuing to put the task off and failing or sucking it up and getting it done, I choose to get it done, by any means necessary.
Maybe, as I realize I keep putting off important task, I need to reevaluate my thoughts about my time management. Maybe, the problem isn’t so much about getting back to my schedules and routine and just gritting my teeth. Maybe it is more about reassuring myself it really isn’t that bad. Maybe I should instead think of all the ways that I will actually enjoy it. I’m going to start working on that list now.
If you want to read more content like this, here are some more you might like:
And here are my most recent posts:
A Wren Says 