Logically, procrastination doesn’t make sense. Many of the tasks we put off are small or mundane, easily accomplished in a short amount of time. Larger, more important projects may seem a bit more daunting, but they’re usually things we’re excited about at some point. Then we lose interest or focus. Perfectionism can be a big factor in why you put things off. Even the smallest tasks can seem intimidating if you convince yourself they need to be done perfectly. Take a look at the connection between perfectionism and procrastination below, along with ways you can break the cycle and gain new perspective.
About Perfectionism and Procrastination
Perfectionism is often at the heart of procrastination. Perfectionists focus on performance and outcome, rather than on the process of accomplishing a task. They get so obsessed with wanting every detail to be perfect that they often end up not doing anything at all until they’re forced to. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably experienced this cycle. Perfection is an illusion that can never be attained. Therefore, it would seem that putting things off until you can do them perfectly would be a waste of time.
Benefits of Breaking the Cycle
Wasting time is really the biggest consequence of procrastinating due to perfectionism. Just think of what you could have accomplished with that time and how you would feel if you were productive instead of remaining stuck due to fear. Think about the types of projects, relationships, and opportunities you could enjoy if you took charge of your time. Procrastination leads to regret, as well as several other negative outcomes. In fact, it’s even been shown to have negative effects on mental and physical health. The stress and mental exhaustion associated with procrastination can lead to a compromised immune system, insomnia, and digestive issues, among other conditions.
Changing Your Mindset
Moving past procrastination requires a shift in thinking on your part. This can be an overwhelming undertaking. You’ll need to examine the underlying causes of your need for perfectionism and then honestly address those issues in order to formulate a plan that works for you. Keep your “why” in mind when considering your motivation for pushing past procrastination. Why do you want to overcome your procrastination? What is the meaning and the value in the task ahead of you? Focusing on how each task fits into your life goals can be an effective method for pushing past perfectionism and procrastination. Consider the worst-case scenario in order to help make your self-expectations more reasonable. Also, remember that people are generally more concerned about themselves and their performance than you. Your worries are likely for nothing. Get out of your own head and change your mindset to become more productive.
Hopefully, you now understand just how important it is to break the cycle of perfectionism and procrastination. Use the strategies here as a foundation for creating your own plan of action. Then take steps to implement it each time you find yourself falling into your old pattern of putting things off.
