I’ll get to it…in a bit

Reasons why we procrastinate and how to deal with them.

Mar 30, 2023

Do you ever find yourself frantically trying to complete a task just before the deadline because you kept putting it off? If so, you're not alone. I, too, am a procrastinator and have enough experience to deep dive into the topic and offer you strategies and tips that help me get the work done.

My hope is that after reading this article, you'll be able to gain a better understanding of what's holding you back and win over your "I'll do it later" moments.

So, why do we procrastinate?

I've encountered several reasons, which I will outline below.

Lack of clarity — I don't know exactly what to do

A job looks monstrous when you don't know precisely what to do. At work, subordinates face this problem when instructions from the boss are vague. You're supposed to go through a 50-page document that has a low signal-to-noise ratio.

It's okay to ask questions and seek clarity. If you're unsure whether you have enough clarity to do a task, give the 3-1-1-1 framework a shot. Try to describe your problem/situation in three pages, then one page, one paragraph, and eventually one sentence. It will help you understand what's important. You can then turn your one-sentence objective into actionable items.

Lack of expertise — I don't have what it takes

When we lack the necessary skills and knowledge to complete a task, it can be tempting to put it off until we feel more confident. However, this approach is counterproductive and only serves to make us feel more overwhelmed.

Instead, identify the specific areas where you need to improve and take action to develop those skills.

This might involve taking a course, practicing with mini task-based projects, or seeking guidance from a mentor or expert in the field.

Lack of confidence — I don't want to fail

Fear of failure can lead us to delay taking action. At the back of your mind, you're thinking, "If I don't do it, I won't fail."

It's easier to stay in your comfort zone than to charge into unknown territories.

To overcome this type of procrastination, make a commitment in public or set a concrete goal whose progress can be measured.

For example, runners sign up for a race to motivate them to train better. As a family, we set individual fitness goals and question each other when one of us falls short. It's a great way to keep each other accountable.

So far so good.

But, what if:

You more or less know what to do.
You more or less have what it takes.
You don't fear failure.

You are still not putting in a conscious effort!

And that brings us to the fourth reason behind procrastination 👇

Lack of conscious effort - "I want to do it, why am I still not doing it?!"

This type of procrastination can be the most intriguing one. (If I had to pick a favorite procrastination type, this would be it!) 😅

Why do we procrastinate even on the things we want to work on?

Let me give you an example. I publish this newsletter every Thursday, and I've been doing that for ten months now. I haven't missed a single week. However, there are times when life and work get in the way, and I don't start writing until 10 p.m. on Thursday.

What do I do?

I write.

I write like it's no one's business. It does help that late nights have zero distractions, and I can deeply focus on my writing. If all goes well, which it does most time, I hit the publish button before midnight.

Now you might think that those are the times I’m doing a rushed job. But the reality is far from it.

Throughout the week, I read articles from other writers that inspire me. I watch YouTube videos on topics that interest me. I find time during my office commute, before bedtime, etc., to read.

I strike up interesting conversations with my husband and kids during our long walks. It may not seem like it, but all of that is work towards the one article that I haven't even started writing yet.

It won't be about what I am going to write on Thursday, but it helps me make connections and brings out ideas that are otherwise not possible.

It's not exactly procrastination. It's invisible work.

Invisible work is the best ally of creative work.

In fact, this is the type of procrastination we need to embrace.

At the end of the day, it is human to procrastinate. Of all the reasons listed above, you could be facing one or a mix of them.

Next time procrastination is getting the best of you:

Take a piece of paper and list these four types.
Check the one/ones that apply to your situation.
In front of the checked one/ones, jot down the tiniest action you can take right away to get the ball rolling. Employ the strategies described above.
Just do it!