Why we procrastinate and can't make a decision

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The reason lies in ignorance of oneself.

Many people think that procrastination arises from perfectionism or mismanagement. Scientists have proven that this is not the case. It's not even a lack of willpower or a spirit of contradiction. This is all part of the problem, but not the cause. To understand, let's first look at how procrastination manifests itself in different people.

Types of procrastinator behavior

1. "I cannot choose until I have read everything."

This is the most common type of procrastination. It affects people who need black and white answers and absolute truths. They want to know before deciding on something. Therefore, it takes a long time to make decisions.

This is not always a bad thing. Scientists conducted an experiment during which they observed the behavior of people in the dining room. Those who do not take the first dish they like, but ponder the entire assortment, usually weigh less.

The first type of procrastination is similar to this behavior. You want to evaluate all the options available, all the information. The problem is that life is not a dining room. In reality, there can be an infinite number of options. If you evaluate them for too long, you will not do anything at all.

2. "I can't choose one thing because I want everything"

Such people constantly have new ideas. They see many options for the development of events. Because of this, it is difficult for them to start one thing. They usually try everything and then notice that they haven't done anything significant in any area.

3. "I just do"

These people rarely experience procrastination. They act immediately. They do not need to wait for the right moment, they are not distracted by everything. When they hear about procrastination, they will shrug their shoulders and tell you to just get it done. But sometimes it is difficult for them to make a decision.

4. "I know what I want, but I can't get down to business."

You are deceiving yourself. You either don't know specifically, or you don't really want to. “Starting your own business,” “being happier,” or “doing more” are not specific goals. Not having a plan is just an excuse. A plan will appear if you really want something.

How is this explained

There are two main types of cognitive functions. We use some for processing information, others for making decisions. We cannot use them at the same time. When we procrastinate, we get stuck at the processing stage.

Getting rid of procrastination isn't about buying a little time. And this cannot be done by force. Telling someone who chronically procrastinates to just get it done is like telling someone with clinical depression to cheer up.

If you get the procrastinator to decide something quickly, he will choose the first option that comes across and will be unhappy. You can fight procrastination only by understanding its cause. And the main reason is self-esteem problems. Remember, your happiness depends only on you, not on your boss or partner.

If you don't define your desires and needs, don't understand what makes you happy in general, it will be difficult to make decisions. You will inevitably procrastinate.

So consider:

• The difference between happiness and hedonism. Compare long-term well-being to short-term pleasure.
• Your values.
• How to live according to these values, in the long term and every day.
• How happy you want to be.
• What is the minimum level of happiness you are willing to settle for.
• What are you willing to give up in exchange for happiness.
• How to set emotional boundaries so you don't sacrifice too much for happiness.
• What do you even want.

Many do not think about it and live for momentary pleasures. But they cannot make important decisions.

What to do

Develop self-esteem. Then the decisions will be easier. Each type of procrastination has its own strategy of behavior. Let's sort it out in order.

1. Set goals

People who enjoy setting specific measurable goals and achieving them value facts and perceive the world as a series of unambiguous possibilities.

When you procrastinate, determine the most effective next step in your situation. Set a goal and achieve it.

2. Choose the most sincere solution

This type is the opposite of the first. Its representatives first define their feelings, and then think about how to act in accordance with them.

To beat procrastination, remember what makes you happy. And then do what seems most sincere.

3. Choose the most logical solution

For such people, the most important thing is internal logic. Some in this group are not familiar with procrastination at all. Others need to first consider different options or contemplate a solution.

If you do get caught up in procrastination, brainstorm and analyze your options. Choose the solution that seems the most reasonable and proceed.

4. Determine what you want

People of this type understand what is expected of them and act according to a certain set of rules. They easily determine the feelings, fears and aspirations of others, and then make decisions based on them. But they don't know what they want themselves.

These people procrastinate the most. They have no specific opinion about anything. Sometimes they cannot start because they imagine what others will think. This is the most common personality type, although many do not want to admit it to themselves.

It is especially important for such people to develop self-esteem and introspection. Determine what you want most in life.

Only by understanding what you need and what is valuable to you, you will achieve what you want.