Causes of Procrastination #1 - Perfectionism

Over the last year many people have written me and told me how the dreaded "P" word, procrastination, is a big problem for them. I have also - and sometimes still do - suffered from procrastination. However, I've discovered what the causes of this "condition" are. Like any medical professional will tell you, the key to curing any ailment is to know what caused it in the first place. Throughout the next few days I'll be posting about what makes us delay important activities for so long. And then, on my last post, I'll tell you how we can overcome this hurdle.

Perfectionism

As odd and paradoxical as it seems, perfectionism is perhaps the leading cause of procrastination. The perfectionist often feels that if something is going to be done, it might just as well be done perfect or not done at all. This leaves projects or tasks either dusty in the planning stages or if they do get started, left stagnant in the early steps of development.

Perfectionism refers to a set of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors aimed at reaching excessively high unrealistic goals. Perfectionism is like a double-edged sword--it cuts both ways. Perfectionists often don't realize that they are hurting themselves by their own actions. Perfectionism is a duel with oneself, the ultimate "no-win" situation.

According to a Psychologist at Baruch College in New York, perfectionists tell themselves that their determination to be perfect will win success, acceptance, love and fulfillment, yet the opposite more often occurs. Even when perfectionists do achieve, the methods they use can deprive them of the very love and acceptance they want so badly to gain.

What ends up happening in the life of the ‘perfect procrastinator’ is they start, and then stop and they start, then stop and start. They never seem to be able to follow through and others sometimes say they are ‘underachievers.’ Being tagged with this term generally leads to even greater amounts of procrastination.

This cause debilitates the procrastinator and leads to them not moving forward in their careers or family life because some simple thing isn’t as perfect as their mind feels it should be.

God Don't Make No Junk

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

On the surface I see the blemishes on my skin, the few pounds I want to shed, and a man who has had a lot of successes and disappointments. I'm also looking into the eyes of an imperfect person who wants to be all that he can be, but who sometimes doubts he can ever get there.

But, if I peer in even deeper I can see something else: a man perfectly made in God's image. Growing up my mother used to say "God don't make no junk". Even as a little kid this would make me feel good about myself. It was a reminder that I was significant and that I was loved - whether I knew it or not.

As you get older it's even easier to criticize yourself because you've got a whole lifetime of mistakes to reflect upon. We tend to beat ourselves up for all the things we did that got us in the position we're in. Or for everything we should've done. Those days are gone. We can't get them back.

But, what if we just took some time everyday to appreciate who we are and what we have? How much better would we feel? How much more could we love ourselves?

How much more aware of our gifts would be be? How much more could we give to this world that needs us?

When we don't show ourselves love we're doing ourselves a disservice. We've been blessed with so much that we must open our eyes and see our goodness. There's a difference between humility and being self-depricating. Making negative statements about our appearance or abilities indicate, more often than not, problems with our self-image and self-esteem.

Here are a few tips for loving and recognizing ourselves as masterpieces:

1. Nourish and care for your body. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. This will do wonders for your confidence, give your more energy, and an edge. In the long run you'll be more productive, have a clearer mind, and, potentially, live longer. A simple change can be eating a piece of fruit with your lunch instead of those greasy french fries.

2. Taking breaks and having fun. each week you should set aside time for a "play date". Author Julia Cameron recommends doing something that is either creating, unusual, or even mindless. This can include going to a play, dancing, or take a sculpting class. Let's face it, we all think way to much about our problems. This will be a welcome diversion from the mundane aspects of our lives.