What is procrastination and is it harmful?

ADHD and procrastination

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Those who procrastinate usually attribute it to ADHD.

Because of their disorder, they can’t focus on one thing for an extended period, so they jump to another rather than finish tasks.

Despite research showing a correlation between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and procrastination, many individuals who have ADHD procrastinate primarily for inattention reasons.

Depression.

Depression often leads to procrastination. They have difficulty concentrating, are fatigued, and are less interested in most activities when depressed.

Low energy levels.

Alternatively, it can be mental or physical energy.

For example, it is possible to procrastinate when you are tired after working all day. 

Laziness.

A natural aversion to effort to get things done is one of the critical causes of procrastination.

However, the real reason for inactivity is usually anxiety or fear of failure. Naturally, there are other underlying motives for procrastination. However, these are considered to be the most common.

To help you understand why you procrastinate, It’s important to understand what’s causing you to do it.

The harmful effects of procrastination?

“There is nothing so fatal to character as half-finished tasks.”

David Lloyd George

You’ve probably discovered what’s keeping you from accomplishing things, but did you know that persistent procrastination can harm you across the board?

Chronic procrastinator waits until the last minute to pay their bills. Then, they will start work on large projects the night before they’re due or complete their income tax returns a day before submitting them.

Energy and Health

The way they see themselves and the amount of stress they feel are affected by this behaviour.

For example, sleep issues, headaches, colds and flu, high blood pressure, stiff muscles, and obesity are all symptoms of stress.

Healthy behaviours such as eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep are delayed by chronic procrastinators.

To finish projects, they work all night and eat unhealthy foods.

As a result, a lack of energy, an ageing life expectancy, and a decrease in vitality are all factors that may contribute to diabetes or heart disease.

Self-control is often lacking in procrastinators. Consequently, this problem can lead to physically harmful activities, such as smoking, drug abuse, or overeating.

In addition, unprotected sex and driving recklessly can also be risky behaviours.

Social

Socially, procrastination is also harmful. Other people will have to pick up the slack by putting things off.

Putting things off until the last minute can make your family, friends, coworkers, or others who depend on you resentful. 

Scientist Fuschia Sirois from Bishop’s University in Quebec has recently investigated how delaying tasks despite the negative consequences can substantially influence hypertension and cardiovascular conditions.

(source: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/)

Procrastination and Success

“My mother always told me I wouldn’t amount to anything because I procrastinate. I said, just wait.”

Judy Tenuta

We perceive procrastinators as underachievers. Their potential is usually not fully developed.

In addition, they sit and watch TV, browse social media, or browse the web Instead of working hard and getting things done.

Planning and establishing goals aren’t part of procrastination.

Instead, people put off things and then make excuses for why they didn’t complete their goal, which causes them not to follow through or fall short in the end.

Procrastination either leads to losing your job or missing opportunities for promotion.

Your career is threatened when you cannot meet deadlines and reach your monthly targets.

Your reputation can also be damaged if you are a chronic procrastinator. Make empty promises to others by saying you will do something but not do it. Your dependability will be undermined once people see this.

Life Satisfaction

A productive and successful person is happier than a procrastinator. Conversely, people with low success in their careers, relationships, finances, health, or other aspects of their lives are unhappy.

Self-criticism is common among people who procrastinate. They put off doing what they should be doing, and then they punish themselves for it later.

The result of this self-sabotage is even more procrastination. When you are depressed and self-critical all the time, you can’t achieve happiness.

Guilt stems from not following through, disappointing others and letting themselves down. There is no doubt that procrastinators feel a sense of disappointment, sadness, and disappointment over the opportunities and potential they missed.

It makes them even more unhappy because they lack self-esteem.

“The really happy people are those who have broken the chains of procrastination, those who find satisfaction in doing the job at hand. They’re full of eagerness, zest, and productivity. You can be, too.”

Norman Vincent Peale

A person’s procrastination damages their physical health, self-worth, social circle, and success.

When you’re stressed, don’t take care of your health, lack self-confidence, and do not follow through, you create long-lasting damage to yourself.

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