Nearly everyone has things they put off until
the last minute from time to time. When deadlines are looming stress can be the
ultimate motivator to get things completed and shipped off on time.
Psychologically, you may have convinced yourself that you perform better under
pressure but research has shown that is not the case (Psychology Today) If you find
yourself frequently putting things off - you may be a chronic procrastinator.
What is a chronic procrastinator? Someone who consistently finds distractions
that deter them from their task/project/meeting/conversation/fill in the blank
at hand. This then creates a cyclical nature of a downward spiral where the
more they put off their task, the more looming it feels the less inclined they
are to ever actually begin.
Complete this survey to see if you identify
as a chronic procrastinator:
On a scale of 1-5…
When you have an upcoming big project with a deadline, you put it in the back of your mind until the last minute and then get to work in overtime mode
When you have an upcoming big project with a deadline, you put it in the back of your mind until the last minute and then get to work in overtime mode
1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
Frequently have your "don't feel like
it" mood take precedence over commitment
1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
Scroll social media when trying to detach
mentally from your responsibilities
1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
Do you struggle with perfectionism?
Psychologically for perfectionists, it is easier to not being a task versus
start it and fail short of expectation
1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
Have those relationships in your life that
serve as enablers, encouraging you to "treat yourself" instead of be
disciplined
1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
If you're total is..
(Less than 8)
You may have some things you put off until later, but overall you aren't a chronic procrastinator
You may have some things you put off until later, but overall you aren't a chronic procrastinator
(9-17)
You are right on the line of typical procrastination and a chronic issue with it. Try to be mindful this week of what triggers your delaying responsibilities and in what areas of your life you tend to procrastinate.
You are right on the line of typical procrastination and a chronic issue with it. Try to be mindful this week of what triggers your delaying responsibilities and in what areas of your life you tend to procrastinate.
(18 or more)
You may be a chronic procrastinator. It could
help to speak with someone about the room causes of your chronic
procrastination. The procrastination could be a symptom of a deeper issue you
may need to address. Feel free to reach out to me for an appointment. You can
either email me at leemiller.therapist@gmail.com or call my office at (310)
614-0323.
Stay tuned, because next week we will break
down how to stop the pattern of procrastination.
