Nobody as yet has definitely discovered why we all procrastinate and we all do it to some degree, but there are some theories that may help us to understand why we procrastinate.
One evolutionary theory states that thousands of years ago in the early days during the evolving of humans our main motivation was to hunt for food, when and where the opportunity arose, so everything else had to take rain check. the motivation for full stomach over thousands of years created a genetic trait of impulsiveness which is to have had entrenched in our behaviours’ and in our brains DNA.
The other theory is a neurological understanding. This is when our set of cognitive processes we use to plan, take action and achieve our goals to a deadline set by ourselves or others becomes disjointed and makes it apparent by our procrastination behaviours’
Luckily we have all been blest with different levels of these executive functions and with simple micro behaviour techniques can in most cases be mastered.
The final theory from a majority of registered psychologists believes the avoidance behaviour by searching for the” feel good moment” too many times creates the procrastination scenario. This theory states that this constant avoidance behaviour of any disciplined processes for example business administration or not planning for a deadline is and has been understood that there may be a complicated link to depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure. Which is correct is a massive detriment to our mental health, our wellbeing and ultimately our performance as individuals in our chosen field of expertise.
You’ll be happy to know we can manage and even completely stop procrastination?
There is a lot of info out there on this subject so I’m only going to divulge evidence-based techniques that I assist my clients with always-tangible results.
The good news is Neuroplasticity:
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life thus creating behavioural changes. Behavioural change being the keywords.
Mindfulness is an excellent technique that reboots the brain into massively positive change by creating new neural connections which have been well documented and has a transformational experience especially for my clients
The creation of small new routines. I know what some of you may be thinking, ROUTINES, MIND-NUMBINGLY BORING but in reality, we already have routines for example. The time we wake up, the method in which we shower ourselves, the way we like our coffee I could go on. Our bodies are not designed to work and think of 100% 24-7. All we have to do is add routines at a rate of change of only 1%. For example, recognising the emotions when procrastination rears its ugly head. Then creating new positive behaviors or routines to counter that thought process.
Do you take your family, friends and your employees for granted? What do you appreciate? Do you really connect with the people or the great outdoors or even your stunning local landscapes? Procrastination is the symptom of sometimes forgetting to appreciate what’s around you. A technique I practice is to take clients on a guided walk into our beautiful natural world. It not only massively benefits your fitness but I would make you aware of how to appreciate your local natural world and the incredibly fascinating evidence-based health benefits. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in life that we forget to appreciate what we have and in my opinion ignore the most underrated emotional value of contentment.
Remember nothing is going to change until we make that change
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Jonathan Guest
Coaching Freedom
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