procrastinationBy definition procrastination is the act of deferring tasks to a later time.  According to Wikipedia, "The psychological causes of procrastination vary greatly, but generally surround issues of anxiety, low sense of self-worth, and a self-defeating mentality."  As true as this is, it is very disconcerting when you note that some forms of procrastination are self-destructive. 

We all procrastinate in one way or another, even if you didn't think that you did.  Accordingly, there are both good and bad procrastination skills.  As to the good ones, someone may delay doing a task to do something of more importance.  In other words it is a form of prioritization.  Even though this may be good, the fact of the matter is that you are going to have to tackle that other task anyway.  Otherwise the situation will get worse (like putting off mowing the lawn) and in some cases out of hand. 

One of the worst forms of procrastination besides not doing anything at all is the one where we'll perform tasks of less importance.  What we'll do is say to ourselves that we've accomplished a lot that day, whether it be errands or whatever.  We'll even reward ourselves for completing these tasks.  But we leave behind the task of more importance that is still waiting there and not getting done.  What makes this so detrimental to us is that it doesn't feel like we are procrastinating. 

procrastinationYou may even wonder if I'm procrastinating from doing something by writing this post.  Actually, I'm writing this for two purposes - one to relay my thoughts on this subject and also for myself on a personal level.  I came to a realization last evening, which really has nothing to do with procrastination, and needed an outlet. 

One of the questions that we should be asking ourself is ‘What's the best thing that I could be working on?'  And then follow that up with, ‘Why aren't I?'  This is probably not easy for some to ask themselves because we have to be introspective to answer it properly. 

Several reasons for our procrastination could be fear, whether it be the fear of failure or success; perfectionism, because we may expect too much of ourselves and are therefore afraid of not attaining that level or goal; or, we're too busy to perform those tasks.  Many times we'll find that we'll perform a lesser task because of the instant gratification as opposed to a more intense or larger task that will usually give use greater satisfaction down the road in the foreseeable future. 

Procrastination tends to reinforce itself and that can only become a vicious cycle.  Part of the problem is that we are too intelligent and will rationalize behavior such as this. 

While writing this piece, I came across an article in Psychology Today, Procrastination: Ten Things To Know.  Is your procrastination hindering you?  by Hara Estroff Marano.

So, what are you going to do now?

 

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47 Comments on Procrastination – Do You Handle It or Does It Handle You?

FEB
11
2008
324,647 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Marc, wow, what a tough subject to tackle. With that said, you did a great job here. Thanks for sharing.
1:49pm • #1
410,174 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Marc...

I am so not a procrastinator. I actually annoy myself most of the time. I want it done...And I wanted it done yesterday :)

Blog Boy on the other hand is odd. When it comes to business he's like me. Anything else just goes on his procrastination list. He annoys me with that :)

Great post and topic my friend :)

Marc it Done. You teed that up nicely :)

TLW...ROAR!  

1:50pm • #2
266,766 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Marc - I was going to comment earlier but I noticed my shoelace un-laced and then got busy being quite impressed and subsequently staring blankly at the graphics on this post.  Seriously though, I'm not a huge procrastinator but I do fall prey every once in awhile.  We could probably all get better at taming this imperfection of ours...
1:51pm • #3
178,600 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Marc ~ You are so right on this! Fortunately (or unfortunately) I am aware of my procrastinating and have been trying to be so much better about it. Something I don't really want to do and put off till tomorrow, I have been getting off my butt and doing it. I actually feel, not so much a sense of accomplishment, but like a weight is off my shoulders once I complete the dreaded task.
1:56pm • #4
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Breaking big tasks down into smaller ones is helpful.  You get a sense of accomplishment when you tackle the small tasks making you continue to do more.  Before you know it, you've finished the big one.
2:09pm • #5
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Danny - Thanks for visiting and commenting

TLW - I have to admit that I used to be like you, but I've relaxed it as years have gone by. 

Jason - What imperfection?  What are you talking about?  Are you suggesting something? 

Kathy - But, isn't that a wonderful feeling?  Glad you're taming it.

Jennifer - That's great.  It all comes down to what works for each of us individually.

3:05pm • #6
266,766 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Yes, we are imperfect...our little procrastinating group we've gathered here:-)
3:32pm • #7
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jason - Dang, another misconception.  And all this time I thought I was freakin' perfect!?!  :)
3:46pm • #8
1 Featured Post
Who drew that cartoon of me? Can I get royalties? Maybe I'll write someone about that later.  Too busy on the 'Net now.
4:04pm • #10
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason - Thanks buddy!  That is just too kind, but I ain't even near to being close.  :)

Audrey - Get in line!  I'm sure it's growing especially with the amount of people on this site, etc.

4:12pm • #11
2 Featured Posts

Marc, i am a great procrastinator. I think there is value in that... So what if my laundry, dishes, taxes and other minor inconvenient 'have-tos' don't get done on time, - at least i was in control of them not getting done! Plus, i like doing things really fast, so if let's say my tax deadline is a few months away - that's waaaaaay too soon for me to start thinking about them... See, it all makes sense! Procrastination is a virtue, when done right!!! Anyone need help doing it right, just call me, and I'll get to you as soon as i finish those dishes,...laundry, taxes...:-)

PS: good post, and glad i found you...:-)
PS1 Ok, AR people, there is an x-rated sounding berry that I am supposed type now... C'mon!!!

4:38pm • #12
617,583 Points 244 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Marc, I work by myself, do quite a bit of business and I have a lot of free time. This is because I do NOT procrastinate and I do not waste time on things on things that don't matter. I get up in the morning go to work and do the important things first whether I want to or not. When I was single my apartment was spotless. TLW thought I must have been a cleanliness fanatic. When actually the opposite was true. I HATE cleaning!! But because I hate cleaning I kept things clean. Make sense? The same applies to things I don't want to do that need to be done. I just do them.
4:42pm • #13
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Inna - Ha, Ha, Ha!  Glad you enjoyed.  Too funny! 

Bryant - No one can disagree with that.  Actually, I had a similar situation back in the 80's.  Everyone thought my apartment was so clean.  It's not that it was clean, but it was neat.  But I agree with you, putting something off doesn't get you anywhere.  In fact, it can only slow you down.

4:53pm • #14
410,174 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Marc...

I thought you would want to know that Blog Boy and I have been making 'procrasto' jokes to each other as a result of this post...

I had a 4 ft long mirror come crashing down from a wall right after I read and commented on this post. It crashed down into my indoor garden that just happened to be full of mulch. I had broken glass from one end of my living room to the other. It took me hours to clean up the mess. But I stopped everything to do so. 

When I finished Blog Boy was teasing me about my inability to procrastinate not to mention the fact that I can be anal about these things :)

Anal...Ha! I'm calling that one for a blog :)  

TLW...ROAR!

5:23pm • #15
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
TLW - Are you ROARing?  I'm LMAO, but I'm sure that wasn't funny cleaning that glass up.  And you know, that you'll still find more.  Always happens.
5:38pm • #16
255,337 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

 Now Marc, whattaya doin?

Trying to make us feel guilty, stressed, pushed, cajoled,

downright down and depressed about our inability to cope

with daily chores?  Let me just tell you what I think!

Naaawww. I'll do it tomorrow.

:-)         Deb

and TLW, I would have helped pick that mess up if you would wait till next week!

5:50pm • #17
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Deb - Well.....  :)  For most no, but some people need to realize what they are doing and how it affects them.  And one of the things that you mentioned - depression.  It appears that some people who are chronic procrastinators may actually be suffering from some form of depression.  Just one of the things that I picked up while researching this.
6:00pm • #18
606,050 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I had to go to the bathroom first...that couldn't wait :) Does that make me a prioritizer?
6:00pm • #19
410,174 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Yup...I'm ROARING...

And LMAO at Deb.

Next week indeed :)  

TLW...ROAR!

6:01pm • #20
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally - I think you may have failed the test.  You should have been able to do both at the same time  :)

TLW - ROAR, ROAR, ROAR!!

6:10pm • #21
606,050 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I'm at the office Marc....that really wasn't possible lol!
6:17pm • #22
109,908 Points 8 Featured Posts

I'm still laughing at that x-rated berry Inna finally discovered! That's the secret of the AR addiction!

I was going to post earlier, but then....

6:20pm • #23
256,930 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
That's it Marc, between you and Danny posting about balance........I'm off to get some laundry done!LOL! Great post, I'm going to read the article in Psychology Today tomorrow!
6:51pm • #24
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally - Excuses!  :)

Jennifer - Yeah, more excuses.  I was wondering if it was the sounding or x-rated part.  Of course, farkleberry came to mind. 

6:53pm • #25
I'm still very bad about procrastinating.  I'm normally a very efficient person about 75% of the time.  But the things that I don't want to do or do not really enjoy doing will generally not get done until they have to get done.  My therapist feels I am close to a breakthru if I will ever come back to therapy.
7:13pm • #27
Quite a intriquing blog, Marc. I believe procrastination works best in a negotiation, allowing time for new information to appear.
Blogger To Be Named Later
7:21pm • #28
244,815 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Marc, will you please stop putting my short comings out there for God and everybody to see?  LOL...I am a master of procrastination, but, like Inna, will get it done when I have to.  I use the old "I work better under pressure" excuse waaaaay too often.  Probably not the best personality trait for the self employed, huh?
8:33pm • #29
152,684 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I wasn't a procrastinator until I started this blogger addiction.  Now I'm going to clean my closet!
9:08pm • #30
107,033 Points 12 Featured Posts
Marc - I am guilty. I suppose that I just keep juggling. Is knowing the problem exists a step towards a cure? don't answer now. I may not check back for a bit. but I am glad you mentioned the affliction.
10:40pm • #31
FEB
12
2008
114,217 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Marc - major guilty here! Thanks for the great article and wise words of wisdom. I am working on becoming more organized and including be better at prioritizing my "to do's"..... thanks for the motivation. It's a harsh reality but one that needs to be focused on daily. Great job.

4:44am • #32
167,395 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog
WOW Marc! I think after reading your post.  I need another cup of coffee and think more of what I am going to do..:-)
6:19am • #33
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rhonda - Too funny!  But the fact is that we all procrastinate to some degree.

Andrew - Very good!  At first when I read your comment I didn't think that was procrastination, but I do see it now.

Lisa - My dear friend that fact is you have a lot more company than you realize.

Judy - I can understand.

John - We're all guilty.  It's just does it interfere with where we could be if we didn't.

Candace - Thank you and glad that this could be of assistance.

Matt - Funny man!

7:12am • #34
204,367 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
OK!  I have to admit I procrastinated.  I put off commenting on this post.  LOL  I did have to answer the call of nature.  LOL
8:28am • #35
258,468 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Marc, you did a nice job on this post. I am right in the middle of having a "I don't want to do it" attitude. Occasasionally the young person in me wants to go have some fun and "not work all the time". I bargain with the rather annoying young person....but if I don't give in and do some "balancing" type activity....there will be no end to the nagging. I liked this post.....very good and well written! Taxes are my best procrastination....once I get started.....piece of cake....which is the thing to remember about procrastination.....unless the young person is making a scene! See you soon!
9:00am • #36
279,903 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Marc, I remember in college I used to have to clean my dorm room before I could study for finals.  I'm not so bad today but there are things on my To-Do lists that keep getting put off...this is a great topic, thanks for the resources!
9:38am • #37
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brigita - Excuses, just like Sally!  :)

Jeanean - Is that called schizophrenia?  :)  I can actually quite understand with you.

Diane - Thank you.  We all do it, that's for sure.  Glad you enjoyed!

5:42pm • #38
FEB
13
2008
163,139 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor
Marc - Great subject since our business is so much about the effective management of time.  There is always more to do than we have time for.  I tend to procrastinate on paperwork and filing.  I've always put the bigger strategic things on the front burner and I get those done first, but anything that requires routine paperwork gets pushed off.  Sometimes I just have to bite the bullet and dive into the stack of papers when they get about six inches high.
10:17am • #39
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Gail - I have to agree with you in that you just reminded me that I have a stack of bills to sort and file.  It's only been about 4 months or so, maybe more.  Oops!
8:07pm • #40
260,746 Points 30 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Marc- I missed the big party here, but that's OK was busy, and not procrastinating :) I enjoyed reading all the comments....some were pretty darn funny :)
11:34pm • #41
480,278 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Marc...  this was right on, in regards to every form of procrastination.   I have found myself at one time or another doing each type of procrastination one time or another. And I totally agree, I have seen so many tackle the smaller issues, not the larger ones, and think they have accomplished much. Wrong... that in my opinion is one of the worst kinds of procrastination. Gee, I had a meeting in NYC today and procrastinated putting together what I was going to talk about. But I did it on the way up. Overall, it was very successful. I guess I have a knack for last minute  stuff often since I did it often in HS and college. But when it comes to mortgages, I make a checklist and proceed quickly and efficiently.   Great job with this one...

jeff belonger
11:47pm • #42
FEB
14
2008
271,088 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog
MARC - Another thing that I think causes procrastination is having a short attention span.  To be honest, my temptation was to minimize the article that you linked to, and come back to it later on.  It wasn't too difficult to see the irony in what I was about to do, so I made a conscious decision to read the article NOW.  I'm glad that I did.  Thanks for sharing this Marc.
4:54am • #43
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Kathy - Glad you enjoyed and were busy.  Yes, we do have fun here even in our seriuosness.

Jeff - Thanks.  Glad your meeting worked out well.

Adam - I can easily understand and have found myself doing the same and have decided to just do it now, get it over with and done.  You bring up an interesting point and I read it in my research that ADHD may also be a cause of procrastination.

7:54am • #44
FEB
18
2008
410,174 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Marc...

This really should have been featured :)

TLW...ROAR!

3:20pm • #45
170,962 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
TLW - Thank you very much for that kind comment.
5:16pm • #46
FEB
24
2008
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I hate my procrastinating ways.  I attribute it to being a bit scatter-brained. I'm still working on my bookkeeping for the last couple months of '07 just because it's such an unpleasant task.  And, like the comic strip you posted, I avoid the unpleasant by jumping onto the internet all the time.  

On Friday the internet was down, so I was forced to do some tasks that I had been putting off. Horrors! 

11:23am • #47

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Marc Grossman, GRI - Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker

Longwood, FL

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Address: P. O. Box 160521, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32716

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This blog is an avenue to relate information and sites that may be of interest to you in regard to real estate. There will be miscellaneous meanderings about me and opinions in regard to Central Florida and Orlando homes for sale and real estate in particular. Get great free widgets at Widgetbox!



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