Lack of Motivation or Procrastination?

 

Maybe this situation is familiar to you: files of current projects are piled up at your desk and there are numerous emails in your email inbox that you haven’t had time to get to.  You know that you should just do all of your tasks quickly and efficiently, but you just do not feel like it.  The consequence: the "to-dos" remain unfinished and are set aside.

 

If this delay occurs regularly and habitually, then the term that applies here is procrastination.  Procrastination is a common phenomenon, and it also occurs at the executive level.

Types of Procrastination

 

Scientifically speaking, one can distinguish between two distinct types of procrastination:

 

There is the thrill- seeker who uses procrastination to give him or herself a rush just before a deadline.  He or she feels more creative and efficient when working under pressure.

 

There is also the so-called avoider. He or she runs away from pressure. This personality type has high expectations of him or herself yet at the same time is afraid of not being able to meet these expectations. The motto is, not finishing something is better than inadequate results.

 

5 tips for procrastinators

 

• Procrastination is a habit. You can break this habit by creating a list with the open points you will be doing the following day (not should be doing). Stick to it without any excuses!

• Overwhelming tasks can lead to procrastination. Break down your upcoming projects into smaller subtasks. Maybe you can also delegate certain tasks to other people.

• Procrastination reinforces doubt. The longer you postpone completion of your open tasks, the worse they feel to you. Try the 72-hour rule.  It has been proven scientifically that projects started within 72 hours of assignment have a much greater chance of being successfully accomplished.

• Are you overcommitted? Say NO more often and do not accept any further assignments. This way, you will automatically have a greater chance of beating procrastination.

• Procrastination is surreptitious. Make your goals public. Your colleagues at work can mentally support and promote the achievement of your goals.

 

Have I piqued your interest? Take a look behind the scenes of your workplace and the way your team works, and you may discover procrastination that has been disguised as a lack of motivation. I would be happy to assist you.