Procrastination is the action of delaying or putting something off. Although our procrastinations are often individual and secret to others, it can manifest openly in many different forms.
Procrastination affects all people of all ethnicities from all socioeconomic groups and of all ages. From males to females and 15 year olds to 65 year olds, procrastination exists. Just ask my 15 year old daughter, Necia, who has a new year’s goal to not procrastinate. She inspired my thoughts as to this topic.
I call procrastination the silent serial killer. Why is that? Simple. Procrastination is not accounted for. It is hoarded in one’s mind and often silent to the outside world. It kills dreams, goals, and intentions over and over again. Procrastination is a repeat offender that goes unnoticed until it manifests externally.
Procrastination effects its victims in more ways than stealing and killing our plans for advancement. It is the culprit for anxiety, depression, and even low self esteem. If procrastination seeps in, it plants seeds of worry, sadness, hopelessness, and inadequacy. Not seeing that task through (which is procrastination at its best) leads to those very ideas. When procrastination attacks mental health, one’s physical health is at risk too. Studies show that feelings of depression lead to headaches, extreme fatigue, and even vision problems.
Be encouraged. You have the power to penalize procrastination. Practice some positive self talk that goes against the procrastination. Identify a trustworthy accountability partner who you can share your intentions with. Be willing to be called out as to your pending plans. Write your goals and include deadlines. And if you don’t meet those deadlines, make sure you made progress and keep moving in the right direction. Procrastination does not have to be your silent serial killer. Call it as you see it, and stop procrastination in its tracks.
