Dangers of Procrastination
This next post in my blog series on Preventing Procrastination and Pursuing Purpose is about some of the dangers we expose ourselves to when we procrastinate. I’m not necessarily talking about how neglecting or delaying doing something can be bad for our health or place us in the path of danger, although those are worth consideration. I’m referring to things less obvious.
For instance, consider how we feel–the anxiety, fear, and other negative feelings, all of which may lead to physical illness if the situation goes on for too long–such as in the following scenarios:
*An unfinished task seems to assume a life of its own and grow larger than it actually is, until we feel overwhelmed.
*A task or obligation we continue to neglect or put off stirs up fear and anxiety disproportionate to the actual task or obligation.
*Doubt and uncertainty result in no clear plan of action, so little to nothing gets done.
*Ongoing issues with procrastination inevitably lead to running late for everything, indicating an established stronghold or repetitive behavior pattern.
*Prolonged procrastination can lead to neglect or laziness, which can have the same effect in our lives as weeds overtaking a garden or a fence breaking down and allowing unwelcome intruders.
Potential solutions, respectively, to the above scenarios?
*Do one thing at a time, as soon as reasonably possible.
*Stay focused on the task at hand, but if we do get interrupted (let’s face it, life has a way of doing that!), return to the task as soon as we can and complete it.
*Make a plan of action (a reasonable “To Do” list) the night before, if possible, or at least first thing in the morning, so we have a solid plan for the day regarding what we need to achieve.
*Get to the root of the problem. Be honest and face the truth (even when it’s painful), stop making excuses, and stop feeling sorry for ourselves (or as Joyce Meyer would say, “You can be pitiful or powerful“).
*Consciously guard against a spirit of laziness and strive to get rid of procrastination.
“Procrastination devours opportunities to live a purposeful life.”
— Joyce Meyer
Can you identify with any of these potentially dangerous or risky scenarios? Do you have others to add? What kinds of solutions might you implement to overcome these areas of procrastination?
10 comments to “Dangers of Procrastination”
This Diva - August 8, 2013
I find that doing a little bit at a time helps to complete a task that’s been on my procrastination list.
This Diva recently posted..For the Bookshelf: Patios, Pots, & Window Boxes
Sonja Ceri - August 9, 2013
Great action steps to a more fulfilled life! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Sonja Ceri recently posted..How to Run a Facebook Contest
Deb Dutilh - August 9, 2013
Ahhh, the dangers of procrastination! Thanks for the reminders, remedies and tips for preventing it. I’d bet that most entrepreneurs have spent some time in the procrastination pit, ready to give up and ditch the overwhelming to do list!
Deb Dutilh recently posted..The Power Of Not Being Grateful
Ray - August 9, 2013
Good information and something that I think most of us struggle with from time to time. Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting my blog.
Ray recently posted..What the Linux Desktop Needs
Dr. Linette Montae - August 9, 2013
I love all of the solutions but my favorite is . . .
*Get to the root of the problem. Be honest and face the truth (even when it’s painful), stop making excuses, and stop feeling sorry for ourselves (or as Joyce Meyer would say, “You can be pitiful or powerful“).
It is so easy to get caught up in trying to fix the “results” of the problem which will never resolve if we don’t pull the problem up by the root.
Dr. Linette Montae recently posted..Your business success boils down to Time or Money
Francene Stanley - August 9, 2013
You could be right about facing something that might be the very thing we need to do.
Francene Stanley recently posted..August 9th
Amy - August 10, 2013
Oh, this is very good, Karen! Have you read “The WAR of ART” by Stephen Pressfield? (I think that’s his name.) I’m going to do a blog post about it as soon as I finish it. He describes the force that keeps us from doing our art (or whatever) as being “Resistance.” Procrastination is a big part of what can keep us from accomplishing our goals, if we don’t (like you pointed out) guard against it.
Amy recently posted..Make it tonight: chicken livers, smashed new potatoes with kale
Angela D - August 10, 2013
I am such a procrastinator. I can relate to this whole thing! Nice read.
Angela D recently posted..Announcing: LARP|reality – a new geek project from Dear Aradia!
Ashleigh@Anxiety Killed The Cat - August 19, 2013
What a great quote and advice. 🙂 I keep ‘To Do’ lists on everything!! Something else I’ve found that helps with my motivation is using a week-to-2-pages planner that stays open on my desk so I can plan for the entire week. Keeps me accountable!
Ashleigh@Anxiety Killed The Cat recently posted..Social Anxiety Quotes: Diary of the Socially Anxious #1
Good Morning Wishes - July 21, 2018
Loved this site!