“I am going to start putting things off, starting TOMORROW”.

Procrastination is such a strong word! To procrastinate means to avoid doing things. Procrastinate is a verb. I find it funny, as a verb is an action word or a doing word. Now it’s hilarious because it means you are doing nothing, though nothing, you are actually still “doing” something. Even if it means you are delaying, postponing, or putting off doing something.

I’ve never been a procrastinator. Of late, I am a phenomenal procrastinator! I can dally and hesitate like you wouldn’t believe. Dilly-dally, and shilly-shally have become my new mantras. I am able to haver or hum and haw over the littlest of things.

I love crafting, I honestly do. However, for the last couple of weeks, I delay creating, or am I just playing for time? Do I have deadlines to meet? No luckily not, because I craft for my own pleasure and relaxation. Though I do have a gazillion half-done projects that need completion.

Do you also find yourself stalling for time? Or kicking the proverbial can down the road? What do you do when you are procrastinating? Any great tips we can implement?

I am no psychologist, by no means, but it is an interest of mine. And I have read various articles on procrastination. Does it make me an expert, no way, but I do understand some of the issues. And sometimes knowledge or awareness is key to solving an issue. If we are made aware or know about it, we can look out, reflect, and take action to correct the self-defeating behavior.

Let’s delve into it.

There are four main types of avoidance archetypes, or procrastinators: the performer, the self-deprecator, the overbooker, and the novelty seeker. Figuring out which group you're in can help you break out of your procrastination patterns — and maybe even turn in something early. Now I just need to follow this advice myself. It is also possible to be a combination of anyone of these.

What are the signs of procrastination you may ask? These can include, but are not limited to having uncertain goals, or setting unrealistic goals, a fear of failure, holding on to negative beliefs, feeling overwhelmed, having trouble concentrating, becoming bored easily, or experiencing personal problems.

Why do we procrastinate? It usually happens when people fear or dread, or have anxiety about, the (important) task awaiting them. To get rid of this negative feeling, people procrastinate — they open a video game or Pinterest instead. That makes them temporarily feel better, but unfortunately, reality comes back to bite them in the end.

The roots of procrastination: Most people procrastinate because they pursue perfectionism or are fearful of doing badly at a task or experience a fear of failure or criticism. They might simply be too disorganized with their time and resources or lack the ability to focus. Some people have a streak of avoidance. However, mostly it boils down to low self-esteem, self-defeat, and depression.

Although procrastination is not considered a mental health condition in and of itself, it is connected to mental health challenges. Several studies have linked procrastination to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It has also lately been linked to ADHD, poor study habits for some people and anxiety. Procrastination is connected to negative functioning and risks to mental health. People who procrastinate tend to have high levels of anxiety as well as poor impulse control. Procrastination is even linked to physical illness.

Is procrastination a trauma response? For many, toxic productivity is a response to anxiety or trauma. So is procrastination. Procrastination isn't about a lack of self-control, laziness, or poor time management. It's an emotional response to the task at hand. And once we realize that we become aware and can truly make work of it. Just a friendly reminder, do not criticize yourself in the process, be kind, and show yourself some kindness as you are now more aware of it. It will take time to heal.

So, what can we do to stop procrastinating? Here are a few things that might help. But let’s be honest. Everything we want is on the other side of fear. Tackle the bull head-on!

1. Get Organized. You are more likely to procrastinate if you don't have a set plan or idea for completing your work. (Make a list)

2. Eliminate Distractions. (No Facebook and chats)

3. Prioritize. (First things, first)

4. Set Goals.

5. Set Deadlines.

6. Take a Break. (Productivity breaks, not a break from reality)

7. Reward Yourself.

8. Hold Yourself Accountable.

9. 30-minute work races (See how much you can get done in 30 mins, take a quick 5-minute break and get back to another 30 min work race)

10. Do as much as you can now, in the heat of the moment. (After all, what’s done, is done)

My best advice is to just avoid procrastinating. No need to dally, dither, waver or swither. Just do it! When you have the urge to do something, act within 5 seconds. And count backward 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. You are less likely to vacillate and go over into taking action, getting on with whatever it was you wanted to do.

I’m off to go scratch here and there and dilly-dally a little longer, as I said, I will start putting things off, starting tomorrow. Singing like Annie: “Tomorrow, tomorrow I love you tomorrow, you’re only a day away” …