One of the most common requests I hear from clients is, “Help me get more things done.”  It seems as if procrastination is a problem for people of all ages – from school age children not doing homework to Baby Boomers not preparing for what they want their “retirement” years to look like.

How motivated are you when you have to do something that is not important to you and/or does not use any of your strengths?  Have you noticed that it is easier to do things that allow you to use your strengths?

According to a study by Dr. P. Steele (University of Calgary) published in the American Psychology Association’s Bulletin in 2007, we are at risk of a procrastination epidemic.  In 1978, only five percent of Americans thought of themselves as chronic procrastinators in comparison to twenty-six percent in 2007.  In addition, ninety-five percent of those surveyed said that they procrastinate occasionally, and that number appears to be growing.

Which of the following reasons stop you from getting things done?

• Tasks do not utilize your strengths or match your values which can cause you to underestimate their importance.
• Lack of confidence may contribute to procrastination.  If you have difficulty believing you can do something successfully, you are less likely to begin a task, let alone stick to it.
• Disorganization and distractions make it harder to start a task and stay focused.  Advances in technology add to the distractions: iPods, cellphones, email, Twitter, Blackberries, Video games, and the internet to name a few.
• Difficulty prioritizing the increasing number of tasks creates feelings of “overwhelm” which decreases motivation.  You have to know where to put your focus and energy in a timely way to feel a sense of accomplishment.

The consequences of procrastination affect you physically, emotionally, and financially.

When you delay a task that needs to be done, you increase your stress which can affect you physically.  Stress hormones lower your immune function.  Can you remember catching a cold after studying hard for tests or completing a big project?

In addition, procrastination can cause feelings of guilt which trigger anxiety.  It is difficult to concentrate or focus when you are anxious.  It takes longer to complete tasks.

Missing deadlines at work may prevent you from getting the raise you wanted or cause you to lose your job.  If you miss a financial payment, a penalty fee is charged.  Dr. Steele’s study estimates that delays in filing taxes can cost people up to $400 a year.

Action step:  Notice what kind of things you put off.  In my next post, I will give some antidotes for this malady.  Until then, notice what you say or do to begin working on something you need to get done.