278. Procrastination Is Not A Real Thing

99% of Americans claim that they procrastinate at least some things in their life. There's only one problem: procrastination isn't a real thing. You've got bigger problems.

If you think you procrastinate, you’re wrong.
Procrastination isn’t a real thing.

Procrastination is a concept made up by humans that only applies to humans. As far as I know, no other species has a sense of procrastination.

In fact, humans didn’t start fully utilizing the term “procrastination” until the 16th century when industrialization began to take hold. After all, with more industrialization came longer to-do lists.

Long to-do lists are the petri dish for feelings of procrastination.

In my executive coaching business, I dabble in uncovering the underlying reasons for my clients’ behaviors. Very often I speak with leaders who are disappointed with their procrastination habits.

“You don’t have a procrastination problem,” I tell them.

“What do you mean?” they inevitably reply. “Yes, I do.”

“No, I’m telling you,” I find myself telling them. “You don’t have a procrastination problem. What you have is a prioritization problem.”

Then they pause and silently ponder my comments, trying to understand what the heck I mean.

Here’s What The Heck I Mean

There’s a quote from Brian Andreas that has had a big impact on how I view my life. It is this:

Everything changed the day I figured out there is exactly enough time for the important things in my life.

You see, the things you do every day - heck, the things you do every minute - are, by definition, the most important things in your life.

Of all the things you could do when given the chance, the things you actually choose to do outrank everything else on the priority list.

Simply because you are doing them means they are your top priority, whether you like it or not.

For instance, your top priority right now is reading this article. Of all the options you have, this is how you’ve decided to use your time.

[Editor’s Note: Clearly you’re a very smart person with solid priorities]

The Discomfort of Prioritization

I know what you’re thinking. I really do. Because I thought the same thing before.

You’re thinking about why you are reading this instead of doing that thing you need to do that is a higher priority.

Maybe there’s a rapidly approaching deadline that you haven’t even started to address.

Perhaps there’s a conversation that you should have with somebody, but you’re avoiding it.

Or maybe there is a Masterclass on accountability that you know you need to sign up for, but you haven’t yet.

Is that procrastination?
No. It's not.

It is simply prioritization guilt.

The Prioritization Guilt in Procrastination

The idea of procrastination is just you feeling guilty because of how you prioritize your values.

There is a reason you haven’t placed those other items as your top priority. I’d like to tell you the reason, but unless you hire me as your leadership coach, you’ll have to figure it out on your own. Honestly, with a wee bit of self-analysis, you can figure it out.

Here’s a hint: Your reason for prioritization guilt is most likely rooted in fear.

• Do you fear stepping out of your comfort zone?

• Are you scared of conflict?

• Are you trying to avoid hurting other people’s feelings?

Whatever fear you’re battling, I guarantee you that fear is what’s causing the prioritization guilt.

If you feel like you are procrastinating, it’s because you have decided that addressing your fear is not your top priority. As a result, the tasks that trigger that fear don’t become a top priority. In the end, you simply feel guilty for your weakness.

Here’s the secret: once you prioritize owning your weaknesses, you will begin to improve your prioritization and productivity.

I’m not saying you have to solve the weaknesses, I’m just saying you have to recognize them, accept them, and prioritize accordingly.

Procrastination Isn’t A Real Thing

How about you do both of us a favor? The next time you feel like you’re procrastinating - when you’re doing something and feel you should be doing something else - stop for a minute.

Ask yourself why you’re not prioritizing the task that you think should be your priority

Remember, every action you take is a choice. Every choice you make sets the priority. And every priority you set reveals something about who you are.

It’s time to confront those fears, embrace your human imperfections, and then go sign up for that accountability Masterclass. Because, let’s face it, learning to prioritize more productively will change your life.

And if you still find yourself struggling, well, you know where to find me. Maybe it’s time to prioritize learning how to better prioritize.

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