Many of our life decisions are made automatically. And this is very fortunate, because if we were to wonder several times a day whether to brush our teeth or not, we would pretty quickly end up with a set of false teeth. Certain repetitive activities have been fixed in our lives as an automatic choice that does not require analysis or reflection. We just do something and that is it.
The problem, however, is that there are many activities that are not habitual, they have not been automated by our brain. It is hellishly difficult to force ourselves to complete some of them, so it is better to put them off. But, we have a good news here. We can create a habit, an automatic reaction to fight procrastination. However, for this to work, at first you have to make yourself do certain things. Later - when the brain accepts our behavior as a habit, it will provoke us to action. Bien Magazine advises how to deal with this.
When does the procrastination need arise?
The deep, internal, seemingly insurmountable need to postpone a given activity appears, in general, in several situations - when what we are about to do is not too pleasant (visit to the dentist), when it requires a lot of effort (preparation for a difficult exam) or when you think that your task is overwhelming (here let everyone fill in the blank as to what seems unachievable to them).
When you face one of the situations described, your head, often without your participation, is starting to perform unusual things. It almost provokes situations that take you away from a difficult task. For example, suddenly, for no reason, you have a severe migraine or stomachache and you have to lie down immediately to survive the worst. Or - someone calls and with their message breaks your entire day schedule. Or – there is a sudden power cut and it is known that it is very hard to study by candle light etc., etc. If you analyse your own life, you will see how quickly and efficiently your brain comes to your aid when you really want to give up on something. Maybe it sounds magical to some - but your subconscious so desperately wants to get away from the problem that needs solving, that it provokes a variety of situations.
What does procrastination give you?
Some of us are so well versed in procrastinating various tasks that they do not have to deal with anything to justify their reluctance to act. "Nothing will happen if I do it tomorrow," they explain.
And yet - something will happen.
Number one - you put yourself in the losing position
You give your brain, your subconscious, a clear signal that life's problems are just not for you. That it has to save you somehow from the oppression. And here lies a serious threat. What if you one day stand before a life-threatening challenge that you will have to resolve? Someone who is used to getting the job done will be able to cope with it one way or another. And you? We are certain that any situation of this type will give you so much stress that you will remember it for the rest of your life. That then will lead to bad associations - every difficult problem will look like an unmanageable mountain that you have to climb. And that is not true. So - do not hurt yourself and overcome the challenges facing you.
Number two - you push away the problem, but you do not eliminate it
So - the problem is still there, but because it is constantly pushed aside, it grows in strength. Tomorrow your dislike for the task will double. Do not deceive yourself that tomorrow it will be easier for you and you will tackle everything with doubled strength. It will not be like this though for a simple reason that by giving up your brain signals to itself "this situation is not good for me". And tomorrow your own brain is playing tricks on you. Instead of supporting the task, it will work against you trying to block it. That being at your own request.
How to deal with postponing a decision for later? About this in the second part of our article.
Author: Bien Magazine
Photos: DepositPhotos
