Procrastination is a thief of joy

I was sad one Saturday because everything was due... I haven’t felt the productivity costs until that Saturday. I blamed myself for justifying the unnecessary delay. Starting last minute was not fun as usual.

Procrastination has been a common practice in my days. Be it in school or at work. I have made it a common tendency and I only realised that Saturday that it may block me from some walks of life. Delaying and postponing tasks is basically like opting for short-term pleasure over long-term fulfilment.

Apart from being held by the throat by a thousand slides the night before exams, or being reminded by your supervisor that everything else is due that day as communicated, procrastination may seem harmless - but it can gradually steal our joy and hamper our personal growth. Having felt that way, I have decided to help fellow procrastinators realise how procrastination can rob us of happiness.

Missed opportunities

Procrastination often leads to missed opportunities, both personally and professionally. When we delay important tasks, we may find ourselves unable to lay hold of the moment or capitalise on favourable circumstances.

This then results in feelings of regret and frustration, robbing us of the joy that could have been derived from those missed opportunities.

For example, I was going to miss a beer session should someone have invited me, because I had so much to do in a few hours while I would have done that some time back.

Stress and anxiety

Procrastination breeds stress and anxiety. As deadlines approach, the pressure to complete tasks rises, leaving us overwhelmed and mentally exhausted.

The constant worry about unfinished work then starts to steal our peace of mind and prevents us from fully enjoying the present moment.

Putting off tasks until the last minute creates unnecessary stress that hampers our ability to experience joy and when we consistently procrastinate, our self-confidence takes a hit.

At times, we start doubting our abilities and questioning our competence to complete tasks efficiently. This self-doubt wears away our sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, leaving us feeling inadequate and robbed of the joy that comes from a job well done.

Stagnation

Stagnation in personal growth is another reason why we must move away from procrastination. It hinders personal growth by preventing us from taking necessary steps towards achieving our goals and aspirations. Whether it's learning a new skill, pursuing a passion or making positive changes in life, this thief holds us back from reaching our full potential.

Lack of full potential leads to a sense of dissatisfaction and rob us of the joy that comes from personal growth and self-improvement.

An addiction

But, it seem like an addiction... How do we run away from it?

Set clear goals by breaking down tasks into smaller tasks. Prioritise these tasks based on their importance and urgency. As you do that, create a schedule and stick to it.

Days may never be the same (because... life) but have a routine and create a schedule that includes dedicated time for each task. By allocating specific time slots for work, you avoid the temptation to procrastinate and stay committed to completing your tasks on time.

It is also very important to keep yourself away from distractions. That can only be done by identifying and eliminating them. This may involve turning off notifications on your phone, finding a quiet workspace or using website blockers to limit access to time-wasting sites.

Practicing self-discipline and accountability also helps you throw hands at procrastination. This is to say: Hold yourself accountable for your actions by setting deadlines and tracking your progress.

Let’s reclaim our happiness, boost our productivity and live a more fulfilling life. Every moment wasted in procrastination is a moment robbed of joy.

So, let's take action today and break free from the clutches of this thief.