Science trick to avoid it

Procrastination means Some people have a tendency to put everything off until tomorrow. It is especially the tasks that are considered painful such as housework, laundry or, at work, a task that seems to us a waste of time. Researchers at the University of Otago (in New Zealand) have studied this obsession and above all, how do we overcome it? Their results have been published in the specialized journal Economic Inquiry.

What are the causes of procrastination?

Many clinicians, researchers, and psychologists have already addressed the issue of procrastination. They concluded that this tendency to postpone everything or overnight is due in part to a lack of self-esteem and a fear of failure.

Researchers at the University of Otago asked participants to complete a simple questionnaire, giving them a deadline to respond. The first group had one week to answer the questionnaire, the second group had one month; For the remaining volunteers, there was no deadline whatsoever.

As a result, the group that does not have a specific deadline for answering the questions is the group that answered the fastest. Does procrastination come from too many deadlines? In everyday life and / or at work? These are the findings of the New Zealand researchers.

How can I stop procrastinating?

To avoid procrastination, according to researchers at the University of Otago: “Long deadline allows for procrastination and forgetting : There is no longer any concept of urgency. Conversely, when no deadline is set, participants are more likely to imagine that there is an implied deadline, not knowing the deadline, which results in the task not being postponed.”

Thus, it is probably best to avoid very frequent and extended delays in order to perform the required tasks. Aharon Ways to avoid procrastination He can help you:

• Organize your work in stages;
• avoid sources of distractions;
• Take real breaks
• set clear goals;
• Give yourself precise rules;
• Knowing how to reward yourself.

Be careful not to get caught up in surprise

If the tendency to procrastinate is sometimes temporary, then one should not go to the opposite effect and become earlier, that is, do everything immediately, even non-urgent tasks. danger? Personal and/or occupational exhaustion approaching burnout in certain situations. To avoid this, it is best to divide your day and week by listing urgent and non-urgent tasks in order to make an accurate schedule of what you need to do and at what time of day to get them done.

In case of difficulties, It is possible to consult a coach or a psychologist Who can give you advice tailored to your situation.