Post on 14-Dec-2015
Procrastination
What it is, why it happens and how to overcome it
Material Adapted from Piers Steel book and blog: The Procrastination Equation
Procrastination
“One of the general weaknesses, which, in spite of the instruction of moralists, and the remonstrances of reason, prevail to a greater or
less degree in every mind.“• Dr Samuel Johnson
Procrastination
• If you put off something purposefully because you think it's a good idea to delay, you're not procrastinating.• Procrastination is when you planned
or felt that you should have done the thing earlier, and then delayed anyway. In short, it is putting off despite expecting to be worse off.
Procrastination ≠ Perfectionism
• Research shows that perfectionists actually procrastinate less than other people, not more.
Impulsiveness Increases Procrastination
• Impulsiveness is:• Living impatiently in the moment and
wanting it all now• Intense craving, a lack of caution and
reserve and an inability to see tasks through
• Impulsive people find it difficult to plan ahead and are easily distracted
I can give you a thousand dollars now or more money next year.
How much money do I have to give you to delay until next year?
Procrastination Triggers
• Expectancy• When we don’t expect to succeed we procrastinate
• Value• When we don’t value the task we procrastinate
• Delay• The further away our goals (or deadlines) are, the
more will procrastinate• Impulsiveness• The more impulsive we are, the more we
procrastinate
Procrastination Equation
Expectancy Valuex
Impulsiveness
Delayx
Self Confidence
Boredom
TimeSelf Control
Expectancy Valuex
Impulsiveness
Delayx
The less you enjoy a task (the less it has value
to you) the harder it is to get
started
Expectancy Valuex
Impulsiveness
Delayx
Long term goals are abstract – short term goals
are concreteThe more time it takes to
achieve the goal, the more likely we are to procrastinate
Expectancy Valuex
Impulsiveness
Delayx
The more impulsive you are, the more
likely you are to procrastinate
Realistic Optimism
• Success Spirals• Set ongoing series of
challenging yet achievable goals – maximize your motivation and makes achievement meaningful
• Vicarious Victory• Seek inspiration from stories or
social groups
Realistic Optimism
• Wish Fulfillment• Mental contrasting – compare where
you are to where you want to be
• Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best• Rather than expect perfection,
anticipate setbacks and difficulties
• Accept that you are addicted to delay
Love it or Leave it
• Games and Goals• Avoid boredom by making tasks more
challenging• Connect tasks to long-term goals• Frame your goals by what you are
trying to achieve not avoid
• Energy Crisis• Energy stores are a limited resource,
actively replenish them
Love it or Leave it
• You Should See the Task I Am Avoiding• Engage in productive procrastination
• Double or Nothing• Take time to recognize and reward your
progress
• Let Passion be Your Vocation• If you have the gift of choice – don’t blow it• Find a compatible fit between what you do
and who you are
In Good Time
• Bondage, Satiation and Poison• Physically prevent yourself from
taking immediate actions• Act upon the temptation to do the
wrong thing at any time, but it is going to be really costly
• Satisfy needs now in a controlled and responsible manner so needs don't run amuck later
In Good Time
•Make Paying Attention Pay• Distractions are a major enabler of procrastination• Denigrate, eliminate or replace cues that remind you of temptation