Procrastination is something that many of us experience, and it is completely normal. Perhaps you landed on this page because you were procrastinating by looking up why you procrastinate. Regardless of how you got here or why, you are always welcome!
Have you ever considered that your procrastination might have more to do with perfectionism than with avoiding tasks you don't want to do? For many people, this is indeed the case.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism often traps us in a cycle of procrastination and fear of failure. In this fast-paced world, our worth is often measured by our productivity, resumes, grades, performances, and the like. This pressure can make the idea of not being perfect or reaching your full potential much more daunting, leading to low self-esteem. If any of this resonates with you, it's no wonder you're procrastinating—the stakes feel incredibly high.
The Perfectionism-Procrastination Cycle:
Perfectionism often fuels a cycle of procrastination. The fear of falling short or making a mistake can lead us to avoiding the task entirely. All-or-nothing thinking, either being perfect or failing, contributes to this cycle, making it challenging to start or complete tasks. This cycle often unfolds in the following way:
Setting Unrealistic Standards
Fear of Falling Short
Procrastination as a Coping Mechanism
Avoidance Behaviours
Increased Anxiety and Stress
Rush to Completion or Last-Minute Efforts
Temporary Relief Followed by Self-Criticism
Reinforcement of Unrealistic Standards
Your specific cycle may not look exactly like the one described above, which is why it’s important to recognize your unique cycle. Understanding your perfectionism and the role it plays is the perfect place to begin getting curious. Perfectionism often stems from a place of fear, so ask yourself: What are you afraid would happen if you failed or didn't meet expectations? Are these your expectations or someone else's? If you fail, what would that mean about you? Would it impact your sense of worth?
On a final note, it’s normal to experience both perfectionism and procrastination. The challenge arises when they create a fast-moving cycle that's hard to navigate. Our goal here is to slow down the cycle and gain clarity on how it's attempting to help. With this understanding, we can find a new direction to move in.