Procrastination - Why We Do It and How to Stop
Putting Things Off and Fear of Failure
In this episode, we discuss why small business owners procrastinate - even when they know a task is vital to their business.
Then, we do a deep dive discussion on one of those reasons - Fear of Failure (or success).
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Why Do We Procrastinate?
We’ve all faced times when we procrastinate. But, as business owners, this can also add an extra layer of guilt to the mix and affect our bottom line. FUN!
But before we offer ideas on how WE handle hesitation, let’s look at the many reasons we might put off doing something.
According to an article in Psychology Today, there are 6 Common Causes of Procrastination.
Below is a brief overview of those 6 causes, PLUS, some ideas as to how to address them.
DECISION FATIGUE
If you need to make decisions constantly, you might find that you put off even very small ones.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
Limit the number of decisions you have to make so that you have the energy to manage these tougher tasks.
It can also help to prioritize your tasks so you spend your decision-making energy on those items that are important and impactful.
“I’m a big believer in the negative effects of decision fatigue. It’s one reason why I try to create systems that automate the decision-making process.”
DIFFICULTY PLANNING OR SEQUENCING
For some people taking a bird’s eye perspective on a task, seeing the steps, and seeing a place to start is obvious. For others, it's not.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
This is a perfect time to rely on the partner who has a natural inclination to planning.
Another idea is to find an existing step-by-step guide to help you sequence tasks. Don’t re-invent the wheel if the plans are out there. Just adapt to your specific business.
For example, you need to update your company website but have no idea where to start. There are countless, free resources to help you develop an outline. Once that’s done, you can schedule a series of small tasks out that feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
RELATIONSHIP-RELATED PROCRASTINATION
Procrastination tends to cause relationship stress and a cycle of procrastination.
If one person tends to procrastinate, there will often be a tug-of-war involving nagging, resentment, stress, and both individuals feeling unsupported in completing tasks involving shared responsibility.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
This is a tough one.
It really is a cycle that comes about from the problem of procrastination. It becomes a habit.
Have an open conversation about this and maybe you’ll discover that your partner can help. Honest communication between couples in business together can help tackle what is really causing the procrastination and help you both find a better way to complete important tasks.
DEPRESSION-RELATED PROCRASTINATION
When people are depressed they'll tend to procrastinate over all types of tasks, whether they're simple or complex, fun or tedious.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
Your mental health can affect SO much.
“I know that if I’m feeling depressed or angry or under any kind of emotional stress I become paralyzed when it comes to making a decision or getting a task done. You need to give yourself some grace and time for this one. ”
ANXIETY-RELATED PROCRASTINATION
You might put off tasks due to the negative emotions – like anxiety - raised by the task. Even when, on the surface, a person doesn't want to do a task because it's boring, boring is often code for hard.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
This is another strong, negative emotion. When you feel the task is SO BIG it can feel oppressive.
As with depression-related procrastination listed above, if your mental health is contributing to this issue, it’s really not as easy as just “getting over it” or “moving through it.” You might need to talk to your spouse, a trusted mentor or a mental health professional.
CREATIVITY-RELATED PROCRASTINATION
Many types of creative work benefit from people taking some time away from the project and looking at it with fresh eyes. Taking time away from a project can be both procrastination and creatively useful. Often there isn't a clear distinction.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
This is a hard one, particularly if you are in a creative field. You have to ask yourself are you taking your time so you get the best idea…or…are you really procrastinating due to some of the previous reasons?
“Creativity itself can be intimidating enough to trigger procastination, especially if you’re not used to using it. Find space where you’ve been creative or inventive before and get comfortable there. ”
Fear of Failure = Procrastination
Sometimes procrastination can stem from a fear of failure. Or, oddly enough, a fear of success.
Both of these concepts can be reasons people delaying doing things in their business.
