Are you a Professional Procrastinator?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever caught yourself procrastinating – we’ve all been there! As managers, it’s easy to find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities, leaving some things lingering in the background. Typically, the tasks that get left behind are those we really would rather not deal with. How does that saying go? Put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Not quite:

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

Benjamin Franklin

These are wise words,  but how do you kick procrastination to the curb when faced with a daunting task?

Sorting your Priorities

Welcome to the world of to-do lists – the lifeblood of every busy manager! From daily tasks to monthly objectives, these lists help us stay on track and keep chaos at bay. Some of us might be sticky note enthusiasts, plastering our workspace with colorful reminders. Ah, the satisfaction of ticking off completed tasks – it’s like a mini victory dance every time! But within this sense of accomplishment lies a hidden challenge – are we truly tackling the right priorities? Is it possible that a few of those difficult to tackle, high-priority items are left lingering?

Now, before we dive into the fascinating realm of procrastination, let’s lay a solid foundation. Take a moment to ensure you have a crystal-clear understanding of what truly matters and why. Here’s a handy article to guide you in sorting out your priorities effectively.

Alright, let’s assume you’ve got your priorities straight. Does that mean you’ll jump right into action immediately? Often, there’s a little internal debate that goes on; an argument about why something can wait. Who do you think will win that argument?

The Why Behind the Wait

Even the most efficient managers fall prey to procrastination. I had a strong work ethic and was attentive about completing things quickly. Nevertheless, there were times when I found myself deferring tasks that deserved immediate attention.

Sometimes, the culprit was the overwhelming nature of certain projects. The thought of diving into something colossal seemed daunting, leading me to believe that clearing smaller tasks first would pave the way. Yet, to my dismay, the small tasks multiplied faster than rabbits, leaving the important one untouched.

Fear also crept in from time to time, disguising itself as a valid reason for procrastination. Whether it was the fear of facing confrontation, the dread of failure, or the apprehension stemming from lack of knowledge, it succeeded in delaying critical actions. And herein lies the truth: procrastination isn’t a result of laziness or inefficiency; it’s a human response rooted in complex emotions.

Admit it, we’ve all had those “good?” reasons for not tackling something right away:

But here’s the catch – whenever we engage in these lively debates with ourselves about postponing tasks, it’s a clear indication that we should be taking action. Every moment of inaction carries consequences, and it’s essential to recognize this truth.

The Impact of Procrastinating

Procrastination is not merely a harmless delay; it has far-reaching effects on our well-being, productivity, team dynamics, and leadership reputation.

Your Well-being

Let’s try a little experiment. Today, put off an important task and observe how your day unfolds and how you sleep at night. If you’re anything like me, you might feel as though you slept in a leaky tent during a downpour.

Now, let’s fast forward to tomorrow. Complete the task first thing in the morning and take note of how your day and night go. Spoiler alert: you’ll experience a profound sense of accomplishment, increased confidence, enhanced productivity, and better sleep. Plus, you’ll find yourself being kinder to your employees, spouse, kids, and pets.

Productivity

When we procrastinate on vital tasks, they tend to accumulate like an ever-growing snowball. For example, if I avoid contacting an upset client because I’m unsure how to handle their issue (who enjoys confrontation, anyway?), I might delay making the call for a day or two. Consequently, I lose sleep, replaying the problem in my mind at 3:00 a.m. To add to the predicament, the next morning starts with a message from my boss, informing me the customer has lodged a formal complaint. Now, I’m dealing with an even angrier client and an upset boss. The result? I’m tired, stressed, and in a foul mood, likely to snap at the next employee seeking help. Congratulations, I’ve just created more work and additional problems.

Team Impact

Procrastination doesn’t only affect us individually; it has a significant impact on our teams as well. By delaying essential tasks, we become bottlenecks in processes, leaving our employees waiting for us to complete our part.

Among all procrastinated tasks, difficult conversations take home the prize. When we fail to address employee performance or behavioral issues, it rumbles throughout the entire team. Other team members might feel pressured to pick up the slack, leading to an uncomfortable and possibly unsafe work environment. As leaders, our role is to uplift and empower people, not hinder them by neglecting our responsibilities.

Role Modeling

As managers and leaders, we are always under the watchful eyes of our team members. Procrastination sends a strong message about our expectations. If we want our employees to meet deadlines and perform at their best, we must lead by example. Our actions (or inactions) directly impact their confidence in us. So, let’s be the role models our teams look up to, encouraging a culture of prompt action and dedication.

Tips for Beating Procrastination

Ready to crush procrastination like a pro? Here are techniques to banish the habit for good:

Summary

The moment to conquer procrastination is now! By understanding our priorities, embracing our potential, and adopting effective strategies, we can bid a fond farewell to the lurking shadow of procrastination and usher in a new era of efficiency and achievement. Let the procrastination slaying begin!

Ponder Points

Use the following questions as journal prompts. By writing in a journal you’ll gain valuable insights into your habits, patterns and motivations. With increased self-awareness, conquer procrastination and unlock personal growth and fulfillment.

Are there specific fears or insecurities that contribute to my procrastination, and what strategies can I employ to address and overcome these emotional barriers?

Do I prioritize tasks based on importance, or do I avoid certain high-priority items?

How do I handle tasks that feel overwhelming or challenging, and can I implement strategies to approach them more confidently?

What are the consequences of  procrastination on my professional and personal life, and am I willing to take proactive steps to mitigate them?

How will I move forward?

Make a commitment to stop procrastinating. No, no, not later – now!

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