It’s Not the Load, but the Way You Carry it, that Weighs You Down

Blog from Tracy Butz of Think Impact Solutions 

Is procrastination a character flaw or a habit?  It is definitely a habit, although many people talk about it as if it were an uncontrollable quality, an innate part of their personality, or it has even been referred to as an appealing trait, which I feel is simply nothing more than a disguised excuse.  Let’s face it, procrastination is a choice and over time, it can become a habit that is really difficult to break.

Procrastination is defined by experts as the act of replacing high-priority actions with tasks of low-priority, which leads to putting off important tasks to a later time.  The behavior is usually counterproductive, not necessary, and it often delays something that needs your attention.  Often times it results in increased levels of stress, a sense of guilt, a dramatic loss of productivity, and can even include strained relationships if commitments or responsibilities aren’t handled.  So why do it?  Good question.  Common sense is not always common practice.

We tend to find ourselves walking down the procrastination path when we are faced with one of four scenarios:

1. Unpleasant tasks
2. Difficult tasks
3. Perfectionism
4. Disorganization

First, for tasks that you don’t care for, we tend to put them off to the side and wish them away.  But do they go away?  The chances are not too likely.  So when you have one or even several tasks that you would prefer to avoid, I recommend tackling those first, and then giving yourself a small reward for “kicking that can” out of the way.  Don’t let dreaded duties drag you down.  Face ‘em and forget ‘em.

Second are the difficult tasks; those responsibilities that seem daunting and sometimes demanding.  Arduous tasks require our greatest concentration.  I suggest that you plan specific times throughout the day to focus your attention on these duties when you have the greatest mental energy.  For some of us this time is first thing in the morning.  For others of us it is mid-morning.  Yet for people like me, I find I am able to concentrate the best right after lunch.  Tackle the most difficult tasks at the right time and then break them down into digestible chunks.  By assigning a timeline to the overall task, knowing when each aspect needs to be completed, scheduling time in your schedule that aligns with your energy cycle, and then following through on your plan, will certainly help you to combat your most daunting endeavors. 

The third reason we find ourselves procrastinating is when we seek a perfect outcome.  Usually tasks do not require perfection; rather, they need to be handled according to expectations.  If we continue to make adjustments because it isn’t “just so,” we usually find ourselves losing high levels of productivity and simply getting stuck.  I believe in exceeding expectations, but leaving perfectionism at the door.

The fourth component of procrastination is disorganization.  I continue to be amazed at the number of individuals who swear that they know exactly where every piece of paper is among the mountains and piles.  They may have a general idea, and they may even know about where the document is, however, the chances of being able to work without feeling a sense of chaos and disarray, I just can’t imagine.  I could definitely be wrong here, but I know that I am always more focused and productive when my desk area is organized and clean.  So if you suffer from disorganization, I challenge you to take the “De-clutter Challenge.”  Do your best to un-clutter your work area and keep it that way for one full week.  Take an honest pulse-check as to whether you feel you had greater productivity by being more organized.  Your outcome of this experiment will clearly outline for you whether or not enhanced organization can help you.  It’s worth a try; what have you got to lose?  Except…maybe another important piece of paper?

You, like me, are probably being asked to do more today than you did a year ago.  Whether it is at work or at home, the tasks continue to come.  As you likely realize, not all tasks are created equal.  And if you don’t prioritize them, someone else usually will.  So plan your responsibilities and strive to re-prioritize them as needed, even if that means doing this several times a week or even per day.  Because it is not the actual number of tasks that we need to do that weighs us down; for if it was, we would have been able to get up years ago.  Instead, what tends to burdens us is how we carry the load.  Choose to handle those tasks promptly that need your attention rather than procrastinating and putting them off until they become a crisis. The “Gain^®” certainly out-weighs the “Tide^®.”