The Mechanics of Procrastination

Avoidance reinforces avoidance. Put something off today and you are more likely to put it off again tomorrow. Why? Because non-deliberate procrastination gives us two distinct rewards that amplify this behavior. Let’s use an example to illustrate how. 

Suppose you have an important phone call to make. You know you could make it today, and part of you wants to, but you feel intimidated. When you make the decision to postpone the call, you experience a temporary relief from stress. Your mind perceives this as a net gain, and the learning that has happened increases the probability that you will avoid the call again in the future. Furthermore, the decision to defer feels as if you have done something productive. You experience an illusory sense of progress. This reward also trains you to avoid the call. You get good at what you practice and procrastination breeds more procrastination. 

So how do you get out of this spiral? By engaging with what you are avoiding and taking action. When you make that dreaded phone call, you also experience a release of stress and the sense of satisfaction that comes from getting something done. Except this time your progress is real. 

I invite you to ask yourself: 

What am I avoiding? What have been the costs to myself and others for this avoidance? 

Now that I know the mechanics of procrastination, in what areas of my life will I practice taking more urgent action? 

God Bless,
Dan 

P.S. - I learned the mechanics of procrastination from one of Dr. Kevin Majeres excellent short talks in his Optimal Work program. I am deeply grateful for this and for the many other things I have learned in his course. I highly recommend you check it out.