Why do I procrastinate? It doesn’t bring anything good. All I do is carry around in my mind the stuff that needs to get done. If I get it done, it doesn’t get carried around in my brain anymore.
Okay, I know why I procrastinate.
Definition that I ripped off of Wikipedia: “Psychologists often cite such behavior as a mechanism for coping with the anxiety associated with starting or completing any task or decision.”
It’s because I am scared to move in the direction that I know I must move in. The things I have to do seem like a huge challenge that I am reluctant to take on, because I think it is going to be painful to execute. Being an expat shoves these challenges into my face so often that I often feel overwhelmed, frustrated at the unfairness, and just give up.
But you know what happens when I take action? It usually isn’t as hard as I thought, and I am relieved and proud that I got it done.
There are only positives to getting rid of procrastination. So there. That’s the plan. GET IT DONE! This is my new philosophy.
Wish me luck. Now I have to go do the things that I have been pushing off.
I’m impressed with your admission of procrastination and your insight on the topic. I’m not sure how well the “get it done” method works for most people. My experience says, if you could have just gotten something done you would have already.
You’re on to something in your reasoning and it’s very true that in many cases once you get rolling it’s not so bad.
I might suggest that you first write down all the stuff that’s rattling around in your head. I call this act a “brain dump.” Off load the stress onto a piece of paper. Then you can plot your action from the paper and you’ll have more usable room in your brain.
Look forward to hearing how it goes!
Rachel