Procrastination: What It Is, Why It's a Problem, and What You Can Do About It

Procrastination is caused by emotions and the ability to regulate mood. This book provides practical strategies to help you stop delaying, complete tasks, and fulfill your potential. It includes worksheets to recognize reasons for negative feelings and build meaning into everyday tasks. Ideal for anyone struggling with procrastination or who knows someone who does.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 273 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: American Psychological Association

Procrastination is a common problem that affects many people. It can lead to missed deadlines, unfinished tasks, and a sense of overwhelm. While the reasons for procrastination are complex, there are several strategies that can help you stop delaying and complete your work.

One of the key factors that contribute to procrastination is your emotions. When you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, you may be more likely to put off tasks. This is because your brain releases a hormone called cortisol, which can make you feel tired and unmotivated. To combat this, you can try to dial down negative emotions by practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing. You can also try to replace old habits with new ones that can help you stay on track with your tasks and goals.

Another factor that contributes to procrastination is your ability to regulate your mood. If you find yourself getting frustrated or angry when you are working on a task, you may be more likely to put it off. To combat this, you can try to develop a positive attitude towards your work. You can also try to set realistic goals and break them down into smaller, manageable steps.

One of the most effective strategies for stopping procrastination is to treat your procrastination with compassion. Many people feel ashamed or guilty when they procrastinate, but this can only make the problem worse. Instead, you should try to be kind to yourself and recognize that procrastination is a common problem that can be overcome. You can also try to set realistic deadlines and break your tasks down into smaller, manageable steps.

Handy worksheets in the book help you recognize reasons why a task might be triggering negative feelings, plus how to be more self-compassionate, and how to build meaning into the everyday tasks that help you reach your goals. This book is ideal for anyone who struggles with procrastination, or knows someone who does, and who is looking for evidence-based insights and strategies for dealing with procrastination.

In addition to these strategies, it is important to create a supportive environment for yourself. This can include setting aside a specific time each day to work on your tasks, turning off your phone and other distractions, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.

It is also important to recognize that procrastination can be a symptom of a larger issue. If you are struggling with procrastination, it may be worth seeking help from a mental health professional. They can help you identify the underlying causes of your procrastination and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

In conclusion, procrastination is a common problem that can lead to missed deadlines, unfinished tasks, and a sense of overwhelm. While the reasons for procrastination are complex, there are several strategies that can help you stop delaying and complete your work. By dialing down negative emotions, replacing old habits with new ones, treating your procrastination with compassion, creating a supportive environment, and seeking help from a mental health professional, you can overcome procrastination and reach your goals.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 141 x 217 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433838064