I felt like writing about procrastination, more specifically, procrastinating as a “creative” or one who considers themselves a creative person. I tried to word this in the least corny way possible but, I think I failed. Either way, let’s dive into procrastination and why it screws many of us over.
Technically, we’re screwing ourselves over. No one or thing forces us to procrastinate and get nothing done; it’s within our power and right to change that, but it can be so darn hard to do. Google’s definition may be different than mine; procrastination is more than a delay; it’s a state, and if you know anything about mindset work, a state can be a hassle to get out of without determination and faith. I’d say it’s the top 10 worst states (beaten out by Ohio) to be in, and I don’t think I’d get many rebuttals from that opinion.
Procrastination and, me, Me, ME!
This is my blog, so it’s only right that I do a direct self-insert of my experience with procrastination. I’m a creative person, talented even, not to boast; it’s just what I’ve been told, and when procrastination hits me, it hits me hard! As I’m writing this, I’m just now overcoming this two-week-long state of procrastination. Ask anyone around me, I was doing absolutely nothing but clocking into a job that I’m growing more disinterested in and saying, “I’ll get to it” eventually.
Procrastination, in my experience, is the most damning when you have nonnegotiable goals or ideas. You’ve made this decision, and you tell yourself you’re going to pull through; it will happen, but that state of procrastination ruins it and most, if not all of your plans. That is, if you allow it, and I speak for most of us when saying that sometimes you can’t fight it, the majority of the time.
Before I started to write this, I was in my planner, jotting down things I needed to get down and making smart goals even (thank you, English class). Not to jump around, but smart goals are a great way to break out of procrastination. That, and a change of mindset, but we’re only humans, and I haven’t mastered that myself, so let’s not beat ourselves up for having an off day, or week, a month, hell maybe even a year.
It’s Okay…Honestly
The important thing is that “eventually.” I think that plays a big part in getting the ball rolling again. You’re not giving up; you’re just pushing it aside, which of course has its consequences, positive and negative, but it’s not the end all be all. Give yourself grace the same way you give others, even if they “don’t deserve it.”
I don’t say all of this to “condone” severe procrastination but to rather provide a softer, more understanding perspective. The hustlers of the world may disagree heavily with this post, but I do hope and I do know that this will reach the right person and help them realize that they don’t have to be 100% at all times and that it does more harm than good to be so hard on yourself. I can beat myself up at times, so I certainly know what it’s like, and it’s not at all a fun time.
Tips: How to Stop Procrastinating
Before I close out this post, I want to shed a bit more light on ways to break cycles of procrastination. As I mentioned previously, SMART goals. Use that 5th-grade knowledge and plan things out. Grab your laptop or notebook and just go at it. Do this for all of your future goals. I think a big part of procrastination is that the cause can just be feeling aimless or having no aim. Everyone has goals, big or small, so hone in on one of them, break it down, and pace yourself.
Image: Example SMART goals for recruiters (recbound.com)
Another “remedy” for procrastinating, forcing yourself to do something creative. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what it is. It can be as small as listening to your favorite songs or as big as writing a song. Try your best to find inspiration and courage even in the smallest things. I personally like to remind myself of my long-term goals and of the life I want to and will build for myself. It gets my head back on straight 80% of the time, so I can say it’s effective. If you can’t relate to any of this, go to a professional. I say sarcastically because I’m not a professional and I have no authority in that regard; however, Google says things…
