Statistics have shown that procrastination can cost companies roughly $10,500 per year, per employee. In 2002 $473 million of overpayments were collected in taxes just because of people procrastinating instead of taking the time to get their taxes done correctly. It’s not so surprising to hear that 95% of habitual procrastinators do want to reduce the impact of procrastination on their lives; however, they just haven’t gotten around to doing anything about it. According to Dr Pamela D. Garcy , there are 9 common reasons individuals procrastinate.
1. You toss self-compassion to the wind.
Solution: Pick up those pom poms and get shaking. Be positive with yourself, be the kind of manager to yourself that you would want to work for.
2. You’ve learned to procrastinate from role models.
Solution: Identify the negative consequences these role models have encountered. Be careful not to adopt the culture of your work environment if you don’t feel it is productive.
3. You don’t think you’ll be effective at the task.
Solution: Invest in yourself. If you need to upgrade your skills do so. Stay current with technology. Look into classes to fine tune your skills.
4. You have a bias against a particular type of task.
Solution: Push yourself to open your mind and prove your bias is wrong. Keep in mind that no task is beneath you. Maintaining that thought process will create barriers to completing projects.
5. Your time estimates are off.
Solution: Plan for the unknown. Technology and reliance on others to complete a task can contribute to it taking more time than anticipated. Start earlier than you think is needed and reward yourself for completing tasks early or on time.
6. You focus less on the gains of the future and more on the gains of the present.
Solution: Keep your eye on the prize to distract from the discomfort of the present. Rome was not built in one day.
7. Your perfectionism gets in the way.
Solution: Sometimes “getting it done” is the name of the game. 110% is not always required. Recognize when getting the job completed is more important than going the extra mile. Some investments are not always worth your time.
8. Depression or anxiety (or other conditions) cause you to delay taking action.
Solution: Seek treatment. Licensed Mental Health Professionals can assist in screening and treatment of depression and anxiety. These professionals are also helpful in identifying other health issues that may be contributing to procrastination.
9. Discomfort intolerance leads you to disengage from the task.
Solution: Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Focus on the longer term reward, stick with it and see discomfort as your investment for growth.