"I'll do it tomorrow," I didn't get to do that today because I was so tired." These words aren't strange to procrastinators. If you have ever procrastinated about anything, you may recall vividly that you never did the majority of them. You are not alone if you find yourself postponing tasks while wanting to get them done.

Even when confronted with desirable objectives and ambitions, many people nonetheless postpone. Feeling overwhelmed or indecisive is natural when you finally realize a long-held goal. A life coach can help you recognize that procrastination is not like laziness.

Everybody puts things off occasionally. The human brain is constructed to process concrete than abstract ideas, making it challenging to begin a work that promises future advantages. The present difficulties are palpable in contrast to the long-term rewards.

Procrastination is costly in the long run. We miss out on opportunities when we don't meet our goals on time. Putting off making positive changes in our life is a typical human response to the fears of failure, perfectionism, and commitment.

Two students discussing
With procrastinators, excuses aren't hard to find. Source: Pexels

Life coaching can help you overcome procrastination and get to work on your objectives. Read this guide to the end to see how.

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What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is the act of postponing a task or group of tasks until the last minute when it is usually impossible to complete all postponed tasks at once. Procrastinators are good at giving excuses for not doing what they should do on time. This is usually fueled by laziness or lack of zealousness to do the task.

A procrastinator often needs help overcoming the habit, but many would deny that they aren't procrastinating but stating facts. Suppose you keep postponing tasks you could easily do within a few minutes. In that case, you may have developed the habit of procrastinating unless you seek professional help. But why do many people procrastinate without even knowing?

Why Do People Procrastinate?

An internal struggle leads to procrastination. It's usually just bad habits getting in the way. It's human nature to rationalize postponing an unpleasant task. Regrettably, the aftermath of procrastination is often an increase in tension and feelings of embarrassment. Because of this, it may be more challenging to recover.

Why Do People Procrastinate?

Procrastinators know it harms them but keep doing it. If you procrastinate, you may have wondered why. You may have asked something similar to assist someone else in stopping procrastinating. The habit is mostly caused by psychological reasons than emotional reasons, as explained below.

  • Fear and anxiety

If you are asked to do something you may be criticized for in the future, you may feel the tendency to delay the task to see if you can avoid it entirely. This is one of the major reasons for procrastinating.

  • Task averseness

Most people delay performing a task when they think the task of unpleasant, boring and stressful. Although they usually finish the task at the last minute when they realize it's compulsory.

  • Delayed outcomes

Most people postpone a task to a later date in the future due to the attached benefit of doing the task at that time.

  • Self-compassion

This is a deceitful reassurance that most people give themselves as they remind themselves that everyone makes mistakes and they could afford to make one too, with no feelings attached.

  • Time management issues

Procrastination can result from time management concerns. If someone fails to prioritize their activities, they may procrastinate on an important task because they don't realize how crucial it is to do it on time.

A student studying
If you can manage your time very well, you can achieve more for lesser time. Source: Pexels

What Are the Different Types Of Procrastination?

Every procrastinator has a particular reason why they procrastinate and has a specific style they cling to as they procrastinate. The key to controlling the habit is to know why you do it and the specific group you belong to. Below are the different types of procrastinators.

  • The procrastinator that fees pressured

By limiting the time they have to complete a task, this procrastinator can concentrate more effectively. The actual cause behind this is perfectionism for many of our clients. You can't expect the assignment to be completed to your unreasonable expectations if you're pressed for time, right? Sometimes the problem is as simple as reverting to tried-and-true ways of thinking about our last-ditch efforts. It's impossible to maintain a lifestyle characterized by chronic self-imposed stress.

For these, their biggest challenge is starting a task; if they can begin, there are chances that the end will be a success.

  • The "I'm too busy" type

This person is an expert at scheduling too much into their schedule and is constantly stressed out. Of all the reasons, "I'm so busy" is the most common. Interestingly, some busiest people at work are also the most productive. Using "busyness" as an excuse for not completing anything is a common form of procrastination. Rather than facing a problem squarely or admitting they don't want to accomplish something, people often make excuses like being too busy.

  • The "I'm just lazy" type

Since this procrastinator is anything but lazy, they are especially harsh on themselves when they fail to meet their high standards. This occurs frequently among the male gender. Instead of admitting fatigue, they make excuses for their inertia by blaming laziness or stubbornness. They need more sympathy for themselves, which is easier said than done.

If you want to achieve personal growth, you need a mentor and coach. Learn more!

  • The "I just got this nice idea" type

This procrastinator has an extreme case of SOS. They're always thinking up new things to do, and then a week later, they're bored of them. They become excited about new developments and rush to adopt them but rarely see them through. Do you know you can become more self-aware with life coaching?

They are good at deciding what to do and then doing it. Because they don't stick with one course of action for some time that could guarantee results, they waste a lot of time and eventually give up.

Is Procrastination Harmful to Your Well-Being?

Procrastination harms physical and mental health, lowering confidence and exposing deep-seated anxieties and inadequacies. Below are other effects of procrastination.

  • Increased stress

Stress and anxiety arise from presumptions of task difficulty and inadequacy. The submission deadline is approaching, and you're unsure if you'll make it. Procrastination makes you depressed and unable to work.

  • Guilt-ridden

Does your thought control your body? Procrastination harms internal health first and then physical health. Unfinished work causes regret and remorse. Thus, the person cannot confidently face the teacher, friend, boss, or anybody else who needs the task. Culpability boosts low-grade productivity and brings out your worst.

  • Worry and failure

Procrastination reduces productivity and often leads to project losses. Laziness and procrastination kill interest in work and lead to failure. Dull minds fail! You can't be productive if you're worried about falling.

  • Unfinished work

Time management is the only way to avoid procrastinating effects like postponing work. Fear leads to abandoning a task due to monotony. It can make people think you're lazy, tarnishing your image. Despite your genre mastery, you may feel insecure. Do you want to be labeled lazy despite your potential?

  • Complaining

Sometimes the manager, ambience, or work culture are bad! You can be demotivated for many reasons, but your conviction and diligence to finish the job carry you to another level. Your laziness and blaming others cover up your failures. If you procrastinate, you're one of them!

  • Ignoring chances

Do you reject choices because you're too weak? Kicking prospects indicates procrastination. Giving up an opportunity could prevent you from taking the giant leap!

  • Missing goals

It's okay to miss your goals occasionally, but doing so regularly is a habit. This may make you regret it later when waiting for the chance, but your friends know you can't. Concentrated effort improves life, not luck.

A woman at the train station
You may miss your goals occasionally, but not continually. Source: Pexels

How Can a Life Coach Help You Beat Procrastination?

Life coaching can help you stop procrastinating and achieve your goals. Here's how:

  • Life coaching can help discover why you procrastinate

Life coaching can help you identify the cause of your procrastination. If you're constantly putting things off just because you don't feel like doing them, your schedule or habit may be the problem.

If you delay until the last minute to meet deadlines because you're afraid of receiving bad grades and disappointing others, the issue may be more delicate and require more introspection. A trained life coach can help you identify the key triggers. Learn how to overcome stress with the help of a coach.

  • Coaching can change your identity

Not meeting deadlines can lower self-esteem in a world that values productivity and efficiency. Life coaching can change your perception of procrastination as laziness.

It can show you how hardworking and productive you are, yet you may have a distorted self-image. Changing your mindset is difficult. Life coaches are good at giving the right push at the right moment and helping people see things in a new light, making even the most complex tasks possible.

  • Life counseling can help you imagine success

Visualizing your goal and the actions to get there is the best strategy to overcome procrastination. Life coaches help you visualize your perfect future and break down your goals.

Conclusion

The goal isn't only to complete your current tasks but to understand why they're important and how they fit into your life. You'll be more encouraged to start immediately if you can picture your future self and all the things you can do since you stuck it out.

Procrastination is a bad habit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop it. A life coach may be all you need to live your best life and stop avoiding tasks you should do right away.

See how you can boost your finance and take less risk with the help of a coach.

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Aria Young

Aria Young is a freelance writer and editor. Over the past years, she has written content on education, business and family.