The eleventh hour generally refers to doing something in the last minute. At some point, most of us have put it off. The question is why?
Procrastination isn’t something we’re born with, but it can become a habit pretty quickly. As we know, habits like overeating or smoking are not good for you. Procrastination can be just as unhealthy, especially when it causes us anxiety and stress.
There are many reasons why we wait until the last moment to do something. A key reason is a lack of motivation. This seems to be a constant complaint from children when they do their homework. They may also feel that it is boring. One way to get around this is to break the task down into smaller segments and, more importantly, award a reward to each task once it is completed. For example, if you have a large project to complete, break it down into smaller pieces. Give each part an end time / date and also a reward, like going out to dinner or buying a fun item. Write it all down on a poster or on your calendar. It is not a good idea to have your entire to-do list in your head.
Another reason is that a person may lack the skills or knowledge necessary to carry out the project. In the workplace, some may feel intimidated by admitting they need help and procrastinating. The end result in this situation is never good because the truth will eventually come out. It is better to have the courage to speak up from the beginning than to deal with the consequences that will surely follow. Fear of failure can also play a role, so supervisors should check in with subordinates regularly. It’s not about micromanaging, but about determining if the job is achievable because there could be unrealistic expectations.
There is a lot of pressure in the workplace to be successful. Once someone has been labeled “high potential” or “problem solver” or “creative genius” etc. It can be difficult to consistently achieve outstanding results. An internal conflict could arise that would make a person feel that they cannot perform as well as last time. In other words, it must be perfect. They can procrastinate for that reason, which is why this internal pressure stops them in their tracks: analysis paralysis. To combat this, hire an advisor who may or may not be the boss to review the pieces along the way. Another option is to collaborate with someone else and share the project. If neither is feasible, take the time to brainstorm a lot of ideas and then slowly begin to focus on a few. Try to test if possible and then finally choose a concept and develop to completion.
Lastly, some people procrastinate because they are simply being rebellious. It could be for a myriad of reasons, including unrealistic expectations or standards and / or a power struggle that you don’t want to lose. The latter could also be on a subconscious level, which can make it difficult to identify why someone is procrastinating. Recognizing that these tactics are reactive to something – that is, a reprimanding parent or boss – is a good first step. Realistically, you will lose in the long run if you procrastinate, so deal with the feeling early on and then move on.
Procrastination is never well tolerated, not at home or at work. If you are a frequent procrastinator, start writing down why you are slow to get things done. By exploring your emotions thoroughly, you can begin to change the ways you counter them. It is not healthy or wise to procrastinate. You could lose your job or something much worse.