Every one of us has sometimes been tempted to postpone unpleasant tasks, whether it's studying, a work project or even seeing a doctor. We prefer to do less demanding and more pleasant activities first and leave the unpleasant tasks until the last minute. However, if this trend exceeds a certain limit, it can be very dangerous. It may mean that we suffer from procrastination. i.e., chronically deferring our obligations. Procrastination can lead not only to a loss of productivity, but also to a psychological crisis and development of a mental disorder accompanied by paralysis in decision-making.
Fastcompany.com cites Joseph Ferrari, professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago, who says that about a quarter of adults suffers from chronic procrastination."It affects their home, school, relationships, and job—wherever they have to do something. That’s higher than the rate for depression, substance abuse, phobias, and other psychological abnormalities. People think it’s humorous, but it can be a serious problem." The generally lax approach to procrastination, he says, is further enhanced by the following myths.
1. Procrastination is a problem of time management
We can't manage time, we can only manage ourselves. People often put off solving problems because they do not value other people's time. They lack motivation. Instead of rewarding fulfilling tasks early, we punish fulfilling tasks late.
2. Procrastination is a problem of self-confidence
Rather than due to low self-confidence, people often delay the fulfillment of their tasks for reasons related to social confidence. They say it is better to never finish a task than to make a mistake and look incompetent.
3. Procrastination means postponing decisions
Postponing a decision may be correct if, for example, you do not have enough information. A person who suffers from procrastination not only postpones his or her decisions, but never makes them.
4. Today we are busier than ever
The week has had 168 hours for centuries. We don't have any more or less work than our ancestors.
5. Procrastination is hereditary
Procrastination is not genetically inherited. It is a by-product of our upbringing and the environment we live in.
6. Modern technologies deepen procrastination
It is not a technology problem, but the fact that we always find a way to abuse technology. It's just an excuse for procrastination.
7. Procrastination lessens with age
Some studies showed that 70% of students are procrastinators, while only 20% of adults are. However, the data has to be correctly interpreted. "College students may engage in delaying their studies, but if their boss needed them or they had a social event to attend, they would be there on time," concludes Joseph Ferrari.
Read tips on how to better manage your time in our Time management section.
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