I don't want to fail
From an early age, we learn that our work is thoroughly analysed and evaluated by those around us. Even if there is no one awarding us a mark, the critical voice in our head is ready to speak out and remind us of our shortcomings.
Humanist psychologist Abraham Maslow distinguishes between two types of decision we make: the choice of fear and the choice of growth. The choice of fear is born of uncertainty; security choices are driven by the need to avoid failure or disappointment. But at what price? We can reject a promising job opportunity as inappropriate when, in reality, our choice is based on excluding potential failure.
On the other hand, if we choose to grow, we take a chance and decide to do something that will make our lives more meaningful or enriching.
If we succumb to procrastination so as to avoid possible failure, we sacrifice an opportunity and may later regret it. Procrastination may seem like a mere delaying tactic but, in reality, it is choosing inaction over action when addressing the challenges we face in life. Postponing till tomorrow will soon become next week and possibly next year.
By not doing something, we avoid having to deal with the consequences of rejection, dissent or criticism, at least in the short term. Like a person with an elevator phobia who decides to take the stairs instead, the procrastinator breathes a sigh of relief if not faced with the threat of rejection or disappointment. But procrastination is ultimately self-destructive because it prevents us achieving our long-term goals.
I lack organisation
Completing tasks requires organisation. We need to organise the time and materials necessary to complete the tasks. You may claim you are disorganised and leave it at that; you then use this label to justify inaction and postponing responsibilities. However, it might be just as easy to call for action if a recipe for change follows, like saying: "Yes, I know I struggle with organisation. So what do I need to do to improve?"
A cluttered desk may serve as a stimulus for action: sorting things, storing them in the appropriate folders, and creating an archiving system that allows you to find the materials you need to organise your work effort. For any task, make a list of things you need to complete. Organise them and then get to work.
I'm a perfectionist
Many people who struggle with postponing are perfectionists. Nothing is good enough to pass their personal inspection, so they postpone and put work aside. Perfectionists apply irrational standards to themselves because perfectionism is an idealised rather than realistic goal.
A useful principle you should remember in this position is that perfection is the enemy of good. On the other hand, by accepting "good enough" thinking, we understand that while our performance could be better, we can safely submit our output. Perfect? No. Good enough. Yes, certainly.
The continuation of this article will provide ten specific tips on how to cope with procrastination and learn to solve tasks as they arise.
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