This Is Why We All Procrastinate

Summary

• When I procrastinate, it's often due to avoiding anxiety. It feels bad because I know I'm putting things off.
• If I want to take a break, it's usually because I'm pushing hard towards something scary or causing anxiety.
• I've learned that when I give 10 out of 10 effort every day, there are times when rest is most productive.
• Resting today can allow me to work at 10 out of 10 again tomorrow, rather than being less effective today and the following days.
• Sometimes, being productive means knowing when to rest to preserve energy for better performance later.

Video

How To Take Action

I suggest starting by identifying moments when you’re procrastinating. Notice if you’re avoiding tasks due to anxiety. This self-awareness helps you understand when you need to push through and when you need a break.

A good way of dealing with this is by creating a simple checklist. List the tasks you’ve been putting off and identify why they cause you anxiety. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them less intimidating and more achievable.

Next, it’s important to give yourself permission to rest when needed. If you’ve been giving 10 out of 10 effort every day and are feeling burnt out, recognize that rest can be productive. Schedule short breaks throughout your day. Taking 10-15 minutes to step away can recharge your energy.

Another strategy is to track your energy levels. Keep a simple journal where you note how you feel at different times of the day. Identify patterns to understand when you’re most productive and when you need rest. This helps in planning your tasks during peak energy times.

Lastly, practice self-compassion. Understand that it’s okay to take breaks for better performance. Remind yourself that working at a lower capacity for extended periods isn’t as effective as working at full capacity after proper rest.

These small, thoughtful changes can make a significant difference in your productivity and well-being.

Full Transcript

when I'm procrastinating it's usually because of some sort of anxiety I'm trying to avoid I can feel my self-respect degrading because I know I'm putting it off because I'm avoiding something versus when I'm like I would really like to take a break it's usually when I'm charging towards something that I'm scared of and towards something that causes anxiety and I'm at a point where I've given myself 10 out of 10 effort every day am I really going to be productive today if I try and work and the answer might be no it might be most productive that I rest so that tomorrow I can hit it at 10 out of 10 Again rather than hitting at a 4 out of 10 today and then also robbing myself of tomorrow's energy and doing a 4 out of 10 for the next 3 days