Have you ever found yourself staring at a simple task, feeling overwhelmed and unable to start? Or perhaps you've caught yourself bouncing between multiple projects without making real progress on any of them? If so, you might be experiencing some sneaky forms of procrastination that are sabotaging your productivity and preventing you from achieving your goals.
Procrastination is a master of disguise, often masquerading as "productivity" or "preparation". But beneath the surface it is a form of self-sabotage that robs you from your dreams, potential, and goals.
Procrastination is a common challenge that many of us face, but it's not always as obvious as we might think. In fact, there are three subtle warning signs that you may be actively procrastinating without even realizing it. Let's explore these symptoms and discover how they might be affecting your ability to get things done.
1. Procrastination Symptom: The Task-Switching Tango
Do you find yourself constantly jumping from one task to another, never quite finishing anything? This constant task-switching is a telltale sign of procrastination in action. You might open an important document, then quickly switch to checking your email, followed by a quick phone call, only to end up scrolling through social media.
This behavior may feel productive in the moment, but it's actually a form of avoidance. By constantly shifting your focus, you're preventing yourself from diving deep into any one task and making meaningful progress.
Perpetual busyness is a form of procrastination; true progress requires the courage to pause, reflect, and realign our actions with our deepest values.
How to break the cycle: Try implementing the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus solely on one task during that time. When the timer goes off, take a short break before starting another focused work session.
2. Procrastination Symptom: The Over-Planning and Over-Researching Trap
Are you spending more time planning and researching than actually doing? While preparation is important, there comes a point where it becomes a form of procrastination. If you find yourself constantly seeking more information or trying to make everything perfect before taking action, you might be falling into this trap.
This behavior often stems from a fear of failure, a desire for perfection, concern about not knowing enough, or an uncomfortableness in putting oneself out there to be seen. It is easier to be keep oneself busy verses being rocking the boat by getting out of one's comfort zone.
So, the next time you find yourself drowning in research or obsessing over minute details, remember: progress wins over perfection (even imperfect action). Embrace the discomfort of imperfect action, for it's in that crucible that growth and transformation occur.
How to move forward: Set a time limit for your research and planning phase. Once that time is up, commit to taking action, even if you don't feel 100% ready. Remember, you can always adjust and improve as you go.
3. Procrastination Symptom: The Small Task Overwhelm
Have you ever looked at your to-do list and felt paralyzed by even the simplest tasks? When small, usually manageable tasks suddenly feel overwhelming, it's often a sign that procrastination has taken hold.
This overwhelm can be particularly frustrating because you know these tasks shouldn't be difficult. Yet, you find yourself unable to start or complete them.
How to overcome the overwhelm: Break tasks down into even smaller, more manageable steps. Sometimes, simply starting with the easiest part of a task can help build momentum and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Recognizing and Overcoming Procrastination: Supporting Long Term Transformation with Procrastination
By being aware of these subtle signs of procrastination, you can take steps to address them before they significantly impact your productivity. Remember, the goal isn't to be perfect, but to make consistent progress towards your goals.
I am a big believer in having both a self awareness and an exercise/practice to help you have long term growth and transformation with what gets in the way. In this case... procrastination.
Procrastination Self Awareness Activity:
Notice when you are engaging in procrastination behaviors. Observe and reflect on when you procrastinate. What are you feeling? What is your environment? Are there any specific distractions (people, sounds, electronics, something else)? Is there a specific expectation tied to the behavior you are "suppose to do" (something due for work/school, house hold chore, client call, etc.). And what thoughts are running through your mind? I invite you to see if there are any patterns over a week in any of these areas that show up when you procrastinate.
Procrastination Practice Activity:
Being in practice means doing something over and over again to develop a skillset or competency. Much like riding a bike or learning an instrument, you practice so you improve at it. I suggest taking one of the options below and committing to doing it 3x a week for 4 weeks.
If you find yourself struggling with any of these procrastination symptoms, try implementing these strategies:
I hope this article helps you. If you feel like you could use some additional support with procrastination, I would love to talk. Book a time with me for an Unstoppable You: Being Your Best Self session here. Don't hesitate to reach out. I am here to help you stop procrastinating.
Mellissa Rempfer, MA.ed AET, P.C.C. Human Potential Enneagram Coach
Mellissa Rempfer helps people on their paths to success get out of their own way by finding the best in themselves and others. Mellissa has taught, coached, and lead workshops around the world for over 20 years, all the while constantly asking “what is needed for the person before me to grow and develop?” Mellissa’s need to answer that question is a personal one given the challenges her own life has surrounded her with, from homelessness in high school to a long and continuing struggle with medical issues, and many more lessons in resilience in-between.
Mellissa’s credentials and certifications to support her work in human growth and transformation include: Master’s Degree in Adult Education in Training and Development, Professional Certified Integral Coach, Certified Enneagram Teacher, and Authorized Workshop Facilitator with the Enneagram Institute. Mellissa can be often be found talking with strangers, enjoying all things in nature, giving away free hugs, watching The Great British Bake Off with her husband, or being a fully present dog mom.