Procrastination versus Productivity
Are you somebody that plans and makes things happen (self determination) or are you someone that takes a more relaxed approach and goes with the flow (procrastination)? Self-determination refers to a person‘s ability to make choices and manage their own life. Being self-determined means that you feel in greater control, whilst procrastination leaves you feeling that your life is controlled by others. In this blog, we'll delve into the dynamics of this battle, exploring their defining characteristics, consequences and strategies to empower self-determination over procrastination.
Understanding Procrastination
Procrastination, often labelled as the thief of time, manifests in various forms, from mindlessly scrolling through social media to postponing important tasks until the last minute. It thrives on distractions, excuses and the allure of instant gratification. At its core, procrastination stems from fear - fear of failure, fear of inadequacy or even fear of success. This fear paralyzes action, leading to a vicious cycle of avoidance and regret. I meet many clients who say they need the extreme pressure of an impending deadline in order to get cracking, however this pressure often leaves them wiped out.
Consequences of Procrastination
The consequences of procrastination are manifold. Missed deadlines, decreased productivity and heightened stress levels are just the tip of the iceberg. Having to keep a lot of information in your head about what you have to do can lead to feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to paralysis. Procrastination erodes confidence and self-esteem.
Embracing Self-Determination
Contrary to procrastination, self-determination emerges from a place of inner strength and resilience. It involves setting clear goals, maintaining focus and taking consistent action towards their realization. Self-determination is fuelled by intrinsic motivation, rooted in a deep sense of purpose and autonomy. It empowers us to overcome obstacles, learn from setbacks and persevere in the face of adversity rather than give up.
Self determination theory
Self-determination theory suggests that people become self-determined when their needs for competence, connection and autonomy are fulfilled. People feel more motivated to take action when they think that what they do will have a positive effect on the outcome.
Self-determination theory grew out of the work of psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, who first introduced their ideas in their 1985 book Self-Determination and Intrinsic Motivation in Human Behaviour. They developed a theory of motivation that suggests people tend to be driven by a need to grow and gain fulfilment.
Three intrinsic needs of self determination
A key principle of self-determination theory is that people are actively directed toward growth. Gaining mastery over challenges and taking in new experiences are essential for developing a cohesive sense of self.
According to self-determination theory people need to feel the following to achieve psychological growth:
Autonomy: People need to feel in control of their own behaviors and goals. This sense of being able to take direct action that will result in real change plays a major part in helping people feel self-determined.
Competence: People need to gain mastery of tasks and learn different skills. When people feel that they have the skills needed for success, they are more likely to take actions that will help them achieve their goals.
Connection to others: People need to experience a sense of belonging and attachment to other people.
Example of Self determination in action
Imagine a person who fails to complete an important project at work. If this person is high in self-determination, they will admit their fault, believe that they can do something to fix the problem, and take action to correct their mistake.
If that same person was low in self-determination, they might instead look for other things that they can blame. They might make excuses, blame someone else or refuse to admit their own role in not completing the project on time. The person low in self-determination won't feel motivated to fix the mistake. Instead, they might feel helpless to control the situation and believe that nothing that they do will have any real effect.
Traits of Self-Determined People
If you are interested in strengthening your self-determination, it is helpful to think about what a highly self-determined individual might look like. People high in self-determination tend to:
Believe that they have control over their own lives. Self-determined people have an internal locus of control or knowledge over their own abilities. They feel that their behaviours will have an influence on outcomes. When confronted with challenges, they feel that they can overcome them through diligence, good choices and hard work.
Have high self-motivation. Someone with high self-determination doesn't rely on external rewards or punishments to motivate them to take action. Instead, they engage in behaviours because they are motivated intrinsically. They have an internal desire to set goals and work toward achieving them.
Base their actions on their own goals and behaviours. In other words, people with self-motivation intentionally engage in actions that they know will bring them closer to their goals.
Take responsibility for their behaviours. Highly self-determined people take credit for their success but they also accept the blame for their failures. They know that they are responsible for their actions and don't shift blame elsewhere.
Strategies for Cultivating Self-Determination
Improve Your Self-Awareness as this is associated with self-determination and can help prepare you to make more purposeful decisions. Meditation, seeking regular feedback, and writing down your thoughts and feelings are all ways to improve self-awareness.
Engage in Self-Regulation Developing a higher level of self-determination involves also working on your self-regulation skills. Strategies that help you better regulate include being more mindful of how you feel mentally and physically, along with practicing cognitive reframing to improve your emotional responses.
Find Social Support Strong social relationships can foster motivation and well-being. Seek people who make you feel welcome and cared for. This may be a family member or friend, or it could be a member of your church, a counsellor, or anyone else who provides a sense of support and belonging.
Gain Mastery Becoming skilled in areas that are important to you can help build your sense of self-determination. Whether you have a strong interest in a hobby, sport, academic subject, or another area, learning as much as you can about it and improving your skills can help you feel more competent. The more you learn and practice, the more skilled and self-determined you will likely feel.
Break It Down: Divide daunting tasks into smaller, manageable steps to alleviate overwhelm and enhance productivity.
Create a Routine: Establish a structured routine or schedule to cultivate discipline and consistency in your daily activities.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself in moments of struggle or setback, recognizing that progress is a journey fraught with ups and downs.
Find Your Why: Connect with your intrinsic motivations and values to fuel your drive towards success and fulfillment.
Stay Accountable: Seek support from friends, family or mentors to hold yourself accountable and stay on track towards your goals.
Conclusion
In the battle between procrastination and self-determination, the choice ultimately rests in our hands. While procrastination offers temporary relief, self-determination paves the way for lasting fulfillment and achievement. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of procrastination and embracing strategies for cultivating self-determination, we can break free from the shackles of not achieving and unlock our full potential. So, let us choose determination over delay, action over avoidance and pave the way towards a future defined by purpose and productivity.