Health

Procrastination: Why We Do It And The Psychology Behind It

Psychology

What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is defined as the act of putting off or delaying activities that need concentration or action. When we procrastinate, we avoid or postpone tasks that must be accomplished, even if doing so may have negative consequences. Procrastination has many forms, two of the most common ones are putting off essential job responsibilities or significant personal commitments.

Common reasons behind procrastination are laziness, fear of failing, poor time management, or feeling overburdened by the work at hand. It is possible to get over procrastination with self-awareness techniques and seeking professional help from a psychiatrist if the need be.

Why do we do it?

If you procrastinate, you’ve certainly wondered at some time, “Why do I procrastinate so much?” or “why do I keep postponing even when I know that it’s harmful to me?”. These are great questions to ask yourself when self-analyzing. Keep reading this article to find out why you procrastinate and the causes of it are essential if you want to learn how to stop.

Procrastination is not Laziness.

Although procrastination is commonly associated with laziness, what if I told you it is not the case? Procrastination is most of the time mistaken as laziness, but they are not the same thing. Procrastination is an active process in which you choose to do something other than the work at hand. Laziness, on the other hand, implies indifference, passivity, and reluctance to act.

It is a reaction to stress in our life or erroneous negative thoughts we hold about ourselves. Don’t be too harsh on yourself if you procrastinate. Instead, try finding out whether your behavior is due to fear, anxiety, ADHD, or any other underlying condition; for that, you can also see the Best Psychiatrist in karachi.

What are the reasons behind procrastination?

There can be several reasons for procrastination, but some of the most common ones are:

  • Lack of motivation: It can be challenging to find the motivation to begin or complete work if it is not seen as fun or does not connect with one’s aims or values.

 

  • Fear of failure: Some people delay because they are terrified of failing or making errors. This anxiousness might lead to avoidance of the work at hand.

 

  • Perfectionism: Those who have high expectations of themselves may put off starting a task until they are confident they can complete it flawlessly

 

  • Bad time management: Inadequate time management and organizing skills can make it difficult to prioritize work correctly, resulting in procrastination.

 

  • Distractions: With the development of social media and other digital distractions, it is all too easy to become diverted and lose concentration, which leads to procrastination.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Procrastination, like any other condition, impacts many areas of your daily life. But when to seek professional treatment for it is a concern many people have. Physical ailments come with aches and bodily symptoms. However mental illnesses are less likely to be identified, addressed, or discussed, attributed to them being invisible. Here are some signs of persistent procrastination that indicate it may be time to seek help from a professional:

  • Completing deadlines or performing duties is creating substantial discomfort or impairment in your everyday life, it may be time to seek professional treatment.
  • Procrastination can be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD. If you are having additional mental health disorders in addition to procrastination, seeking professional treatment to address these issues simultaneously may be helpful.
  • If you’ve attempted to manage your procrastination on your own but are still struggling, obtaining professional help may be a helpful alternative. A mental health expert may assist you in developing techniques for overcoming procrastination as well as managing any underlying issues that may be contributing to the behavior.
  • Procrastination can occasionally lead to problems in relationships or at work. If your procrastination is causing serious difficulties, get professional counseling. It will be an excellent approach to strengthening these relationships and avoiding more problems.

Overall, procrastination is common and not always a reason for concern. But, if you are continuously putting off chores and suffering unpleasant effects as a result, this might be an indication of chronic procrastination. Hence, self-diagnosis would not be the best option; instead, visit a Best Psychiatrist in rawalpindi and receive quick help.

About the author

Justin Frank

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