Have you ever wondered why you procrastinate? Is it just because you’re lazy? Or is there another reason? We tell you what you need to know.

Don’t you love to procrastinate? It feels great to delay work and enjoy an extra hour of napping or binge-watch another episode of your favourite serial, right? But what happens when you cross the deadline for finishing your chores? Let us guess – you are called lazy and irresponsible. Correct? So then, why do we procrastinate? Why do we do it when we know it lands us into trouble? One of the many answers to this question is ADHD.

What is ADHD, and what relation does it have with procrastination? 

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a mental disorder in which a person suffers from hyperactivity, impulsivity and struggles to pay attention. You can learn more about it here. One of the symptoms of ADHD is procrastination, as people with this condition tend to delay their work, given their inability to focus on things. So if you procrastinate to a point where you create trouble for yourself as well as others, it’s advisable to get yourself checked for ADHD.

Joseph Ferrari, Ph.D., a professor of psychology, says that in most cases, procrastination has nothing to do with time-management. “To tell the chronic procrastinator ‘just do it,’ is like saying to a clinically depressed person to cheer up,” he says. The research mentioned by attitudemag.com says that some people engage in chronic procrastination as they “don’t possess the ability to manage negative moods around a task.” And this, therefore, is a clear indication that the person might have ADHD.

So do only people with ADHD procrastinate?

No. Everyone procrastinates. However, people with ADHD tend to do it more. This is because doing several things at once may prove to be extremely traumatic for them. As a result, they tend to shut down mentally when it comes to multi-tasking. Some even refuse to undertake a single task, as they don’t possess the ability to sustain their concentration. They don’t wish to experience the failure of not completing a task. Therefore they rather not take up a task at all and procrastinate. It may appear as laziness to us, but for people with ADHD, it’s anguish that they battle each day.

How do I fix my habit of procrastinating? 

1. Get to the root of your problem 

The first step is to identify why you procrastinate. Of course, delaying chores here and there is something that we all do. However, if procrastination has become your way of life, the reason could be a mental condition, including ADHD. The key is to figure that out and then work on it. One of the ways to do so is with Neurofeedback! To learn more about this therapy, click here to watch this free video.

2. Identify the type of procrastination that you do: There are six different procrastination personality types. These are:

  • Emotional exhaustion: You procrastinate because certain emotions such as stress, anxiety, fear, etc., stop you from working.
  • Finding focus: Before beginning the task, you need a clear picture of where it’s going to lead you. You can’t begin a chore, with a mixed puzzle before you.
  • Looking for a thrill: You need something excited to keep you motivated. You can’t resist a thrill such as a night out with friends, an impromptu trip, etc., to keep you interested in your work.
  • Need a deadline: Until you have a deadline to adhere to, you can’t take your task seriously.
  • Being a perfectionist: You can’t handle mistakes, and the fear of screwing up keeps you from taking up any work.
  • Easily overwhelmed: You have so many options before you that you can’t make a decision and don’t know where to begin.

Once you figure out what kind of procrastinator you are, you can apply the tricks mentioned below to improve.

3. Chart out a plan: If you procrastinate in general and not because of a mental condition that needs treatment, you can use tricks to improve on your own. Hence, if you’re the sort who gets overwhelmed too easily with a lot of chores or too many options, chart out a plan. Prioritize your chores and list down essential points relating to them. This will help you get more organized and structured.

4. Complete each task in steps: Viewing a task as a whole can create trouble where you can end up feeling stressed. Therefore, complete each task in steps. Take significant mini-breaks between the steps so that you know that you are in control.

5. Hang out with inspiring people: We often get influenced by the people we are with, be it in a good or bad way. So if you hang out with people who are procrastinators (in general and not due to a medical condition), then it’s time to change your company. Find people who motivate and inspire you.

6. Ask for help: This is a common mistake most of us make. We tend to procrastinate or give up a chore halfway when we realize that we can’t complete it on our own. Therefore, its important to seek help. Doing so doesn’t make you small or incapable.

7. Be vocal about your goals: Doing this helps a great deal as then, you have a reason to keep going because you have to prove yourself in front of others. Another reason is that if you get lost or demotivated, you will have people to remind you of your goals and encourage you to achieve them.

So are you set to be good and get going? Say no to procrastination! If you wish to try Neurofeedback therapy, Brain & Co. offers med-free treatment that could help you overcome some of the challenges that come with depression/anxiety/sleep issues etc. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more.