The Art of Tomorrow: A Procrastinator's Perspective

“There is nothing so fatal to character as half finished tasks.”

The habit you’re fighting, the guilt trip, the reminders for to-do lists. Keep scrolling. Faster. Stop. Scroll. Play. Momentary blindness. Then the weight settles in. “It’s another day wasted,” “all I could have done,” “all my wasted potential” with a hint of self-loath. This is Procrastination and its hold on our daily lives.

There is no foolproof quick fix to the habit and despite the constant reminders and weight, in the moments of its slavery, it’s difficult to do what you are supposed to do. There are several causes of procrastination and undoubtedly some real science ones that I can research about but it still wouldn’t help me to get over it. I believe that the answer to “why” and “how” is subjective and depends on our responses to life.

We, as humans, like to think in stories, in fiction with justified endings of “hard work that pays off” and “you made it!” However, most of the time, reality happens to us, the ordinary, the dreadful plot—failed a test, lost a job, ruined a relationship, lost a war, which to say the least is the opposite of dopamine.

More often than not, we respond to reality with these stories, knowing too well that this will etch its pattern in our behaviour and won’t spare us from the cycle that lies ahead and yet, “it’s the deadline again.”

Procrastination is not just laziness, sometimes it is fear and sometimes it is disappointment. The fear of failure, criticism, or not measuring up to our own standards can paralyze us, preventing us from taking action. Even though this response to reality can be quite comforting, but mostly, the safety of the comfort zone is just a façade for the avoided discomfort. Perfectionism can make this even more challenging, as we set impossibly high standards for ourselves hence fueling further disappointment.

The implication is not about stories or subjective plots but about instant gratification and delayed discomfort patterns. By all means, keep dreaming and shape the realities from your stories but the taking control part defines it all.

Self-awareness about the distinction between the act of wanting to do, and actually doing it. It takes a bit of bravery to identify these negative emotions and face the dreadful plot but this courage is what lets you take control. Taking accountability, making executable plans, and practising a healthier routine might let you make up for more than you’ve lost.

The timeless habit of Procrastination:

Throughout the history of our race, human minds, like any other, have been designed to live in an environment where they respond to immediate danger and discomfort with solutions that provide immediate results. This is why we naturally prioritize present comfort over the promises of the future.

Procrastination is a habit that has plagued people throughout history, including some well-known figures. Take Leonardo da Vinci, the famous Italian painter and scientist from the Renaissance. He was a brilliant mind but struggled with procrastination. He often got lost in daydreams and had a hard time finishing his projects on time. For instance, it took him 16 years to complete the Mona Lisa and 13 years to finish The Virgin on the Rocks. He was only able to complete The Last Supper after being threatened with serious consequences, as he had left several other projects unfinished.

Herman Melville, the author of Moby Dick, struggled with procrastination. His wife had to practically chain him to his writing desk to help him overcome it.

Victor Hugo, known for his big novels like Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, used an unusual strategy to fight procrastination. He had his servant make him work on his studies while wearing very little clothing to help him stay focused and meet his deadlines. These stories reveal that procrastination is a widespread challenge, affecting individuals regardless of their fame or talent and overcoming it requires determination, as well as the development of personal strategies and methods.

Navigating the Thin Line Between Delay and Progress:

"Being in the middle of procrastination is often more painful than being in the middle of doing the work."

Escaping the dopamine paradox of procrastination requires you to reduce the friction of starting. Changing our habits to delayed gratifications, prioritizing tasks, and aligning the goals with rewards will help to build discipline and satisfaction.

The part of the process where the pain becomes unbearable and the deadlines corner you to the point where you must begin regardless is often called the action-line of procrastination. It is proven that motivation follows the action and not the other way around so if we develop methods to reduce the time we take to reach the action line, gradually we'll be able to find a way out.

The thin line between delay and progress is unique to each individual, influenced by personal habits, strengths, and weaknesses. However, with awareness, understanding, and the right strategies, it's possible to navigate this psychological tightrope more skilfully. Recognize that you have the power to tip the balance in favour of progress and leave procrastination behind. In the end, it's your journey, your path, and your success that matters most.

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