“Dragging myself and every other procrastinator out there”
Guyyyys I had to make this my first blog article because the only reason I am sitting down and literally typing my first blog article is that I’m finally being intentional about making efforts to stop procrastinating and my blog is a product of this! I’m super proud of myself I can’t lie. This is a habit I have struggled with for the longest!
From a recovering Procrastinator’s standpoint, it’s been an entire journey. I would procrastinate on the littlest things like making breakfast, turning in an assignment, getting detergent for the washing machine, and sadly even buying gas, Heck I even procrastinated writing this blog post! This clearly shows you I still struggle with procrastination, except now I’m making conscious efforts not to. In order to do this, I had to first identify that this was a problem I was struggling with, and something needed to be done. Many procrastinators stay in denial of the fact that they procrastinate, but then we’ll all agree the first step to solving a problem is identifying the problem.
From my personal struggle with Procrastination; I have identified 8 likely Reasons you can’t stop procrastinating and they are:
- You’re a sucker for your safe space a.k.a “Comfort zone”
Most times putting yourself out there is all it takes to make that move towards attacking Procrastination. I think it’s really natural to feel a type of way about trying something new. Actually, when it comes to trying something new, there are different types of people; the ones who are excited instantly at the thought of trying something new or a different approach to something, the ones that are scared to alter their balance, and the rare few that are indifferent about it. The majority of Procrastinators (like myself) overly analyze and criticize the thought of doing something new or different from what they’re used to.
Well, spoiler alert! That attitude right there is a major hindrance to quitting procrastination. You’ll find yourself saying more “later’s” than “Now”.
2. You’re a “Jack of All Trades” and trying to master none.
Most times when people use the term “Jack of all trades” it’s usually talking down on people who try to juggle a lot at the same time. Now I am totally in love with the idea of versatility and multitasking, but even more importantly I believe if you must do it, then do it well. Starting out so many things at the same time and without intentionally allocating your time and resources to completing each of these tasks can set you up for continued procrastination. So if you’re trying to run a business as an entrepreneur, get that Master’s degree, write a book, be a cool ass mum or awesome boyfriend while also being a dog dad all by yourself at the same time; that might just be the reason you can’t stop procrastinating.
Advice: Try delegating, I heard you can’t do it all by yourself and I think it’s true.
3. You Jump into Conclusions
This is specifically for people who have made zero effort to attempt a particular task, but just know “it’s too difficult” or “it requires so much skill” or “it’s not for people like me”. Do you feel attacked? I do too. I almost gave up on the thought of blogging because I kept telling myself it requires so much technicality and blah blah blah. Well, I’ll just say I’m glad that’s a story of the past now. But this is probably one of the reasons you just can’t stop procrastinating.
4. You’re Honestly not Interested
I’ll keep this one really short and simple; interest serves a motivational purpose when it comes to execution. You’ll naturally procrastinate less when it comes to things you’re really interested in or things you have a passion for.
My one penny: stick to where your interest lies.
5. You’re a Perfectionist
Being a perfectionist can be one of the most frustrating traits to possess. Personally, I think perfectionism can stem from the feeling of inadequacy or the need to live up to a certain standard or expectation. So, many perfectionists overly criticize themselves, some feel they have to go over and beyond to prove their worth, others judge themselves harshly and set unrealistic goals. This makes execution a much slower process and in turn, increases the chances of procrastinating till they think everything is Perfect; which truthfully never happens.
6. You Give in to Fear
You’re always scared of what people will say? How your work will be perceived? Is it good enough? Do I stand a chance amongst others?
Advice: Just do it.
7. You don’t Work it Like you Talk it.
You’re that procrastinator that keeps repeating “I should be doing this” but never actually does anything. You talk about the numerous plans and ideas you have but zero actions towards executing them.
Tip: Can you just stop talking? And let your actions do the talking!
8. You Belong to Team “I Work Well Under Pressure”
This group of procrastinators are the actual worst, in my opinion, they delay their execution to the very last minute while eagerly chanting “ I work well under pressure”, a famous excuse for procrastinating till the dying minute.
Do you struggle with Procrastination? What intentional steps are you taking to stop Procrastinating? Let me know!
LOVE, LIGHT AND SWAG
RENITA
Chioma Egbujor says
Beautifully written!
renitaobi says
Thank you so much!
Adenrele says
I definitely agree with you. I am “team I work well under pressure” 😂😂, till the pressure really comes. Working my way to stop procrastinating hopefully 🤞
renitaobi says
The honesty of it all, I’m glad you’re working on that. I personally struggle most with Perfectionism. I want it without any traceable flaws at the perfect time which never really happens. so now I “just do it”
Adanna says
I hope I become more intentional moving forward.
Thank you for this piece.
renitaobi says
Hi Adanna, so good to have you on here! Yes, try to make a conscious effort to Procrastinate less and execute more…especially knowing that tomorrow isn’t assured.
Chisom IyunOluwa Onyekwelu says
Congratulations on your first post.
I honestly can relate to all these.
Now, I’m about to take another big step and I’m back to these excuses—especially the being a perfectionist part
renitaobi says
Hi Chisom, thank you so much for being a part of the family. Girl my honest advice would be to go for it; you have everything you need to achieve what you want. Take it from a fellow perfectionist; it’s never going to be perfect, just do you
Juditg says
Wonderful piece dear.keep it coming.
renitaobi says
Thank you so much, absolutely. Please sit tight
Odira says
I occasionally struggle with being a jack of all trades, trying to get my hands on everything available and eventually miss out on a lot. I’ve started putting conscious effort in focusing on one at a time to get the best result. Thank you for the reminder
renitaobi says
Hi Odira, I can totally relate to you, I often have surges of ideas and I really just want to do them all. Leaving one idea for the other and feeling like I’m neglecting other areas. I would advice to always pen down your ideas, and practice finishing what you have started.
Christiana Ihuoma says
Wow, thank you for this!!
Very well written.
renitaobi says
Thank you so much Christiana, glad you enjoyed it.
sikis izle says
Thanks for the article post. Really thank you! Fantastic. Gena Meir Dart
erotik says
You are my aspiration , I own few blogs and rarely run out from to brand. Cody Lutero Lotz