What Is Procrastination? - Part 1

Procrastination is a behavior that is characterized by postponing actions or tasks to a later time. This condition is often cited as a mechanism for coping with anxiety about completing any task or decision. Interestingly, psychologists used to categorize procrastination; it must be counterproductive, needless and delaying.

Many individuals find that procrastination results in stress and a sense of guilt over their lack of productivity. In some cases procrastination creates a crisis situation at work or at home and results in disapproval from others in their life. Unfortunately, these feelings can also promote even further procrastination.

It is common for people to procrastinate to some degree but it becomes a problem when an individual finds that it stops normal functioning either at work or at home. Psychologists have found that this is also a symptom of an underlying psychological or physiological condition.

All of us who procrastinate work hard and struggle to shake off this process. We may plan, schedule, write down lists, promise and make resolutions but generally achieve only a short lived success and then fall back into old habits. The problem often goes beyond self-discipline and can be a symptom of a set of problems that defy one single simple solution.

Procrastination is peripherally related to time management. People who procrastinate often know exactly what they should be doing, even if they can’t do it.