Procrastination � stalling, avoiding, putting off. It's a common behaviour and some may describe it as a bad habit, an excuse for laziness or even a personality trait. Yes, these are just some of the reasons people procrastinate. However, some of us are chronic procrastinators with deeper issues. Fear could be the underlying reason why we procrastinate and each fear may tell a complex story. If we are willing to unravel it, we will not only understand our chronic behaviour but we will also find clues to help us make decisions and take actions when necessary.
Look at the list below and see if you identify with any of the fears that may be fuelling your procrastination.
Fear of Failure
No one wants to fail but failure will be our portion if we fear it so much that we avoid the decisions and actions that could garner the success we want. But why do we fear failure?
�2 We are unsure of our ability to do what we have to do.
�2 We feel insecure about our mental and emotional fibre to face the possible fallout (shame, ridicule, the process of doing it all over again or doing things differently) if we fail.
�2 We are obsessed with perfectionism - being perfect, formulating pitch-perfect plans, making unquestionable decisions and taking no-fail actions. As a result, we sit on our hands and bind our feet with mental shackles. Moreover, we seem blind to the fact that our obsession with perfection fuels procrastination.
Fear of Success
We want to be successful. We can smell it. We sense its presence just around the corner. Yet, we hold back. We put off making definitive decisions and taking specific actions. These are some of the thoughts that plague us, put us on the defensive and fuel procrastination:
�2 Financial success could put me at risk.
�2 I might have to change my image.
�2 Suppose my relationships can't handle the changes that will come.
�2 I'm not sure I want to alter my lifestyle.
�2 I'm uncomfortable doing business and socializing with people I don't know.
�2 If I do this, I'll be one step away from my dream but I don't like being in the spotlight.
Fear of the Future
Unhappy memories of the past coupled with negative present realities impact how we view the future. It can be scary not knowing what the future holds. And often, that uncertainty causes us to put a hold on things we should do or want to do. "Suppose..." and "What if ..." feature in our every thought, building fear upon fear. Our rationale settles into paralyzing thoughts and numbing questions.
�2 Expectations for a promising opportunity, personal goals, career advancement or a change in the status of a relationship took a turn for the worst, and left us nursing disappointment, embarrassment and heartache. How can we keep active, productive and moving forward with confidence, when our past experiences left nothing but lingering dissatisfaction?
�2 If our present circumstances are spinning a web of confusion around us, how can we possibly be hopeful for the future? When combined, these questions lead us to one conclusion - procrastination over action.
Despite these fears, we shouldn't throw out procrastination altogether. It's not all bad. It allows time to weigh options and weed out ideas and actions that are not viable. Understanding what fears fuel our chronic procrastination opens the door to resolve them and free ourselves to be confident, courageous, active and proactive. The year is still young; let's not let procrastination keep us from accomplishing our goals.