You think that procrastination lightens your mind but in the long term, it harms you…
There procrastination is a term used in psychology, which refers to the habit of a person putting off priority tasks or activities until later, and replacing them with activities of secondary importance. It’s a good way to lighten his mental load but the habit becomes bad when it lasts or is too much systematic…
Because of our brain?
According to’Inserm “Procrastination can be explained by the tendency of our brain to count costs more quickly than rewards.” If the reward or pleasure is not immediate, it is not motivating. Imaging data from a study conducted at the end of 2022 with 51 participants “revealed the activation during decision-making of a brain region called the anterior cingulate cortex. The role of this region is to carry out a cost-benefit calculation by integrating the costs (efforts) and benefits (rewards) associated with each option..” THE brain also takes into account the deadline of the task to be carried out. The further away it is, the less costly the effort seems and the less gratifying the reward seems. Other factors can also be associated with procrastination: fear of failure or difficulty, fear of success, lack of motivation or difficulty concentrating, professional overwork (burn-out).
Why is it bad to procrastinate?
Always putting off until tomorrow what can be done right away is bad for several reasons:
- procrastination increases stress
- leads a constant feeling of guilt
- reduces productivity
- generates social judgment linked to the views of others and the avoidance of one’s responsibilities (for example at work), as well as stigmatization
- the disorder can be interpreted by those around you as laziness, or a lack of ambition
How to stop?
If you suffer from procrastination or a related disorder, it is advisable to seek advice from a psychologist. Certain time management techniques help combat procrastination:
- Develop to-do lists, with an estimate of the time needed to complete them by identifying priorities.
- Leave enough time for unforeseen events.
- Opt for a distraction-free work environment and plan time slots conducive to productivity.
Procrastination a little, from time to time, has no impact on the normal course of things and even allows you to improve your quality of life because a large number of problems resolve themselves when you don’t take care of them.