It’s so easy for a to-do list to snowball out of control. In fact, it can become so overwhelming that it makes you freeze in your tracks — preventing you from getting anything done. “How can it get this bad?” you ask. One word … procrastination. People procrastinate by putting things off rather than working on them. This causes things to build up to the point where they’re no longer manageable. As Professor Mason Cooley said, “Procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things harder.” Here are 12 reasons why folks procrastinate:
Lack of discipline. “I’ll do this some other time.”
Fear of failure. “I’m not sure I can do this. So I won’t even try.”
Wishful thinking. “If I don’t think about it, maybe it’ll go away.”
Unreasonable expectations. “If I can’t guarantee success, I won’t even attempt it.”
Feeling overwhelmed. “This project seems daunting. Let me give it some thought…tomorrow.”
Fear of complexity. “I’m not sure where to begin.”
Lack of motivation. “I’m not in the mood.”
Fear of accountability. “I’m afraid to put my neck on the line.”
Feeling bored. “I’d rather be doing something else.”
Lack of urgency. “It really doesn’t matter if I do it now. It’s not due for days.”
Fear of making a decision. “I need more information before I can start.”
Wait till the last minute. “I love the adrenaline rush that I get when I’m up against a deadline.”
Do any of these explanations sound familiar? If so, do something about it. (Please don’t procrastinate.)
Do You Procrastinate?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
Get It Done!
Attention, Control Freaks: It’s Time to Delegate
Where Did Time Go?
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I am guilty of way too many of the items on this list!
Bill
I’m sure we all can identify with some items on this list. Thanks for your honesty and for taking the time to write 🙂
Best,
Frank
Yes… sadly, I can relate to most of the items, that’s for sure. Unfortunately it’s become a life-long habit. If I didn’t have deadlines, little would get done.
Hi Debbie
You’re right. Many folks can’t get things done without deadlines. For that reason, I like to give myself artificial short and long-term deadlines. It helps to keep things on track.
Have an awesome day!
Best,
Frank
Frank, thanks for these. I find that even with deadlines in place, sometimes I still struggle to prevent procrastination.
Any suggestions?
WOW… It’s like you can read my mind or have been listening in on my self-talk. Each thought along with it’s reasoning put my life into the words I have not been able to find. I hav finally hit the point in my life that I am ready to do what I need to do to change my bad habits and mistaken beliefs. I have always known I was a procrastinator but did not realize the toll it was taking on my life. Stil unsure of how to actually get myself to change. I am very glad to have come across your site.
Hi Susan
I provide 8 strategies that may help you stop procrastinating in this post. Check it out when you have a moment.
Is Your To-Do List Overwhelming You?
https://www.franksonnenbergonline.com/blog/is-your-to-do-list-overwhelming-you/
Best,
Frank
I agree with your all of the teasons you listef however, I have a reason not on your list: Painful and or Hurtful Memories can cause an indivdual to “freeze” = “procrastination. Thanks for creating the list it is insighful & thought provoking
Great addition Sandra 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Have an awesome day.
Best,
Frank
i can relate to almost everything on the list and i see myself remaining on the same spot. I keep asking myself what could be the problem? what can i do to get out of it? still i find myself procrastinating
Hi Sylvie
You’re not the first person who procrastinates? I wrote a post on how to address it. Here’s the link if you’re interested.
Is Your To-Do List Overwhelming You?
https://www.franksonnenbergonline.com/blog/is-your-to-do-list-overwhelming-you/
Thanks for taking the time to write 🙂
Best,
Frank