What is procrastination?
Procrastination is not laziness. It is not part of our personality. It is not a lack of will or a lack of intelligence. According to research, it is a way to deal with our stress. It is simply a habit that, however, we do not know how to escape from.
Avoiding starting or completing a task indicates a symptom that needs to be addressed.
Many of us have spent countless hours: watching TV, scrolling through social media, eating, or calling a colleague we haven’t spoken to in years, even cleaning the office. We are busy with many things, as long as we don’t have to do a specific task.
The cost of procrastination in business
The truth is that procrastination is a problem that affects everyone, regardless of their profession or age.
However, it can be particularly detrimental to entrepreneurs, as it can lead to delays in business development, lost opportunities, profits, frustration, and of course, stress.
This is why it is important to look more carefully at the reasons why we avoid action and prefer inaction.
Causes of Procrastination: Why We Procrastinate
There are many reasons why we procrastinate. Sometimes, we procrastinate because we find a task boring, difficult, or unpleasant.
Other times, we procrastinate because we fear failure or because we are trying to find the right conditions to get started.
How to deal with procrastination
There are several things we can do to overcome procrastination.
Goal setting
One important way is to set specific goals with a specific time horizon. This will help us maintain our focus and avoid procrastination.
Task Sharing
We can also break down our tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make us feel less discouraged and help us get started faster.
The fear of authority
Another effective way to overcome procrastination is to start working on a task, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help us get the first push and continue with greater productivity. After all, the beginning is half the battle.
Perfectionism and Procrastination
Finally, it is important to remember that we do not have to be perfect. We all make mistakes. Allowing ourselves to make mistakes is one of the most important tools to combat our procrastination. The important thing is to consider mistakes as a step towards the goal, that is, to learn from them and move forward.
We identify the problems together, suggest solutions and help you implement the changes.
Procrastination and Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs often face additional challenges that can lead to procrastination. For example, they may feel like they have too much work to do and not enough time. They may also be afraid to take risks or unsure of how to proceed.
To overcome these obstacles, entrepreneurs can follow the tips below:
Creating a business plan
A business plan will help you understand your goals and create an action plan to achieve them.
Setting priorities
You can’t do everything at once. Focus on the tasks that are most important to the success of your business.
Assignment of tasks
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to employees or partners when possible.
Relaxation
Constant work can lead to exhaustion and procrastination. Make sure you are resting and have enough energy to keep going.
Procrastination & Business Coaching Sessions
Business Coaching provides the tools for better time management and effective decision-making. Start your business coaching seminars now, especially if you believe that your procrastination is reducing your business’s profits.