7 Reasons Why People Procrastinate
Published on 29 Oct 2007 at 7:58 am.
10 Comments.
Filed under Business Development, Feature Articles, Personal Development Strategies.
Procrastination is a major complaint I hear from clients and friends. Who doesn’t drag their feet sometimes?
I do.
It’s not always a problem.
Positive procrastination: Taking time to gather your thoughts, review or research information to gain clarity so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and take actions that move you towards what you desire is appropriate.
When does it become a problem?
Negative procrastination: Procrastination becomes a problem when people are sabotaging their hopes and dreams. They know what they should do and they don’t do it.
It’s important to get to know yourself well so you can recognize what you’re doing – or not doing
Why do people procrastinate and keep themselves from having the good stuff?
Here are 7 reasons why:
1. Fear – Success/failure.
You might think success is strange to fear. Who wouldn’t want to be successful, right? It’s a big fear for many because being successful is life-changing, full of losses and gains.
2. Their desire isn’t strong enough.
They haven’t really made the decision to have what they want.
3. Goals/dreams don’t inspire them.
Too often people have no idea what they really want and they pursue goals they think they should want or what others want for them. That’s one reason why many successful people feel unhappy - like something is missing. They are living somebody else’s life rather than one that would make them happy.
4. Loss of momentum and motivation.
Without support and accountability, they lose steam and enthusiasm quickly and fall back into old behaviors.
5. Negative self-talk and beliefs.
This is a huge reason why folks procrastinate. All the conversations people have in their heads that scare them and make them feel like crap. They construct stories about inevitable outcomes (worse case scenarios, what happened in the past will surely repeat) that they believe as truth! It’s amazing what we do to ourselves, isn’t it?
6. Overwhelmed with too many options.
They don’t know where to start or what to choose. It’s a double-edged sword. Having choices is important and yet, having too many causes confusion. Often people make a hasty choice to get it over with, defer to someone else to take responsibility, or do nothing.
7. Too many distractions cause them to lose focus.
They become overwhelmed, and confused, and stressed. They lack structure, routines, and boundaries to help them say on track.
Unsure if procrastination is a problem for you?
These are some questions I ask clients to help them gain clarity:
~ Are you where you want to be in your life, personally and professionally?
~ Do you follow through on things you say you’ll do?
~ Do you tend to break promises and agreements with yourself and others?
~ What do you tell yourself that makes that ok?
~ What needs to change?
Is procrastination a problem for you? Need some help?
I hear you! I just completed a new eBook called:
Take Charge of Your Life - Overcoming Overwhelm, Procrastination & Fear.
You’re the first to hear about it. I am officially launching it on October 31. I couldn’t wait to tell you!
Go look. You can purchase your copy right now! It’s full of insights, tips, and strategies to help you immediately.
PS. Hear my interview on procrastination on Mind Your BIZness with Danielle Hampson.
Enjoy!
Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
Gamy Rachel on 30 Oct 2007 at 2:57 am: 1
Hi Lorraine,
Love this post. I like your defining
Positive procrastination and
Negative procrastination. Looking forward to purchase your fear audio program on the 31st.
Warm regards
Gamy
lorraine on 30 Oct 2007 at 8:08 am: 2
Thanks Gamy
I enjoyed writing it!
I appreciate you continuing to stop by and add your thoughts.
PS: you can buy the fear audio right now at http://www.powerfull-living.biz/transformfear.shtml and the new ebooks too.
Have a terrific day!
Cheers and blessings,
Lorraine
Alex Blackwell on 4 Nov 2007 at 5:46 pm: 3
Fear is what keeps me from moving forward - you hit it right on the nose! Thanks for sharing this Lorraine.
lorraine on 4 Nov 2007 at 6:28 pm: 4
Thanks for your comment Alex
My point is that fear can be a motivator or detractor depending upon how we react to it and use it either to move forward or run away. I also use fear to move foward. How powerfull is that!
Have great night my friend
Lorraine
The Personal Development Carnival - November 6, 2007 - from Creating a Better Life on 6 Nov 2007 at 10:54 am: 5
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Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker on 3 Dec 2007 at 1:17 am: 8
As you pointed out in this great article sometimes procrastination can be a positive thing. Sometimes, we find ourselves putting off something or waiting to do it because the timing isn’t right and on some level we know that.
lorraine on 3 Dec 2007 at 8:40 am: 9
So true Patricia,
I think the key is knowing yourself well so that you can make that distinction.
Thanks for your comment. Come back again!
Warmly,
Lorraine
Working at Home on the Internet on 13 Feb 2008 at 9:57 pm: 10
[...] Cohen presents 7 Reasons Why People Procrastinate posted at Powerfull Living, saying, “Learn 7 reasons why you might be dragging your feet on [...]