Procrastination Uncovered: What’s Really Behind It?

Procrastination affects all of us at some point of time in our lives. But when it turns into a more chronic nature, it starts hindering our capabilities and keeps us from being the best version of ourselves. It limits our ability to be our most productive selves and to experience success, fulfilment and happiness. Things that seemed interesting start seeming mundane once one falls into the trap of procrastination.

Procrastination goes beyond being lethargic and slow. It’s a state of mind that may require a dedicated effort to come out of because of the self-perpetuating cycle that it creates. At the root of it lies reduced motivation. Lack of motivation could be because of lacking a sense of purpose. Uncovering some common thought patterns that lie at the core of laziness such as fear of judgement, fear of failure, fear of success (change), all-or-nothing mindset, purposelessness, self-rejection, self-sabotage tendencies, indecision, repressed anger etc. People who tend to procrastinate are often dreamers and have a rich inner world. They could be bustling with ideas, yet struggle to choose one and bring it to fruition. They tend to prioritize shorter term pleasure over longer term gains. Day-dreaming, poor eating and sleeping habits, lack of physical activity, could exacerbate these tendencies. Early childhood could also have a bearing on these tendencies in certain cases. For instance, if a person grew up feeling controlled or trapped in childhood, they may procrastinate when they have a deadline to meet, as a way of subconsciously rebelling against obligations or deadlines that limit freedom. Also, A person who has been subjected to “double binds” (conflicting messages) in their childhood, could find it hard to make decisions and hence would end up putting off work to avoid discomfort stemming from indecisiveness. Some people never got a “well done” in their childhood, and hence these people tend to be perfectionists. Ironically, at times being a perfectionist can make one put off work if they feel like they will be judged for their work.

Procrastination could also be rooted in mental and physical exhaustion. It could be a result of feeling drained because of adrenal fatigue caused either due to stress or a burnout. That drained feeling could be because of certain body parameters like a low blood pressure, Low blood sugar, low hemoglobin. Chronic pain, low vitality, chronic dehydration, sensory overload or poor posture could also be a reason why one feels drained or exhausted. As per Ayurveda, Procrastination could be due to Kapha Dosha imbalance, or a burnout because of dwindling Ojas (vitality or vigor). Incorporating more moving and walking, especially NEAT(non-exercise activity thermogenesis), as well as attempting to introduce more novelty in our lives could help. An enhanced awareness of the body with the help of grounding and mindfulness will help in understanding the root of our laziness or procrastination and overcoming it. Berating ourselves for not having accomplished our goals will only worsen our case because it will reinforce the idea that we are not good enough, which is often a subconscious thought process of a person who procrastinates.

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