Decoding Procrastination: The “I Deserve Better” Mindset
Dec 13, 2023
Have you ever been stuck in the mire of procrastination? Have you felt the uneasy tension of a task left undone, hanging over you like a cloud? You’re not alone. Procrastination is a widespread challenge affecting not only adults but also children and families, making it an essential topic for discussion. Moreover, procrastination often arises as a symptom of ADHD, making it harder to manage.
Many of us can recall instances when we’ve struggled with procrastination. For some, it may be the memory of writing essays in English class, where fear and self-doubt sowed seeds of reluctance and delay. We often grapple with thoughts like, “Even if I write it, it’s not going to be good enough.” This negative self-talk feeds procrastination, turning it into a seemingly insurmountable hurdle.
Self-Talk Solutions
So how do we tackle this? We can start by noticing the language we use. Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, we can empower ourselves by saying things like, “I can work at a slow pace that I feel comfortable with,” or, “I can think of times I had past success with writing and build my confidence from there.” Remember, sometimes what we perceive as a struggle isn’t an inability, but rather a lack of confidence.
A growth mindset can give you an advantage in overcoming procrastination. Shifting your thinking from “I’m afraid I can’t do this” to “This is an opportunity for me to practice and get better” can significantly alter your attitude towards the task at hand. Such a mindset encourages us to focus on small steps and personal improvement rather than perfection or completion.
Managing Stress
Stress is another critical factor in procrastination. When we’re stressed, our attention and ability to concentrate wane, which can lead to burnout and increased procrastination. The next step may be to find a small action that will feel like progress to gain more motivation and momentum. Dissecting the source of stress often reveals practical steps that can alleviate the pressure and help you regain control.
“I Deserve Better”
Another helpful perspective to adopt is viewing tasks as acts of self-care. Whether it’s homework, household chores, or financial planning, these tasks represent ways we can take care of ourselves. Furthermore, finding ways to make tasks more enjoyable, like setting a challenge or playing favorite music, can help to make them less daunting and more fun.
One powerful mantra to combat procrastination is: “I deserve better than this.” This mindset highlights that procrastination is often self-destructive, and by falling into its trap, we are doing ourselves a disservice. The moment we acknowledge that, we realize that our excuses are damaging us, and we deserve better.
Embracing the “I deserve better” mindset is about claiming agency over our lives and our time. It’s about recognizing our worth and deciding that we deserve a life free from the weight of undone tasks. With this perspective, we can begin to approach tasks not as burdens, but as opportunities for self-improvement and self-care.
Decoding procrastination involves understanding the interplay of self-talk, stress, and mindset. By viewing tasks as acts of self-care and adopting the mantra, “I deserve better than this,” we can start to dismantle procrastination. Remember, every small step you take towards completing a task is a step towards a better, more fulfilled you.
