What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is not laziness. It is not a part of our personality. It is not a lack of willpower or intelligence. According to research, it is a way to cope with our anxiety. It is simply a habit that we don’t know how to break.

Avoiding starting or finishing a task indicates a symptom that needs to be addressed.

Many of us have spent endless hours: watching TV, scrolling through social media, eating, or calling a colleague we haven't spoken to in years, even cleaning the office. We engage in many activities just to avoid doing a specific task.

The Cost of Procrastination in Business

The truth is that procrastination is a problem that affects everyone, regardless of profession or age.

However, it can be particularly damaging for entrepreneurs, as it can lead to delays in business development, loss of opportunities, profits, frustration, and of course, stress.

Therefore, it is important to look more closely at the reasons we avoid action and prefer inactivity.

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 start.

How to Overcome Procrastination

There are various things we can do to overcome procrastination.

Goal Setting

An important way is to set specific goals with a specific time frame. This will help us maintain our focus and avoid delays.

Task Breakdown

We can also break down our tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make us feel less discouraged and help us start more quickly.

The Fear of Starting

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 gain initial momentum 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 need to be perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Allowing ourselves to make mistakes is one of the most important tools to combat procrastination. The important thing is to view mistakes as a step toward our goal, learning from them and moving forward.

Procrastination and Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs often face additional challenges that can lead to procrastination. For example, they may feel that they have too many tasks to do and not enough time. They may also fear taking risks or be 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 cannot do everything at once. Focus on the tasks that are most important for the success of your business.

Task Delegation

Don't try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to employees or partners whenever possible.

Rest

Constant work can lead to exhaustion and procrastination. Make sure you rest and have enough energy to continue.

Procrastination & Business Coaching Sessions

Business coaching provides the tools for better time management and effective decision-making. Start business coaching seminars now, especially if you think your procrastination is reducing your business profits.