What is procrastination? Why do we procrastinate? How do we procrastinate? How can we stop procrastinating?

So, why do I procrastinate? I know that in the end, it leaves me more stressed than I was before. I eventually realise how much time I have wasted, and I stare at the clock watching the hours waste away.... thinking that now, it is just too late to start anything. I don't think I am alone though! Actually, 20% of people identify themselves as chronic procrastinators. It is a maladaptive lifestyle that, refuse to believe it or not, is learned; you are not born a procrastinator. Honestly, for me, I think it’s habit… a habit I must break!

I would identify myself as a chronic procrastinator. I will sit on Facebook or Twitter for hours on end, simply pressing the refresh button. I know nothing exciting will have happened in the 3 seconds since I last pressed it, but I do it anyway. I do the same things with my emails. I will check them, have no mail, then go back and check them quite literally two minutes later. It’s unhealthy.

I would put bets on the fact that a lot of people reading this article right now are doing it because they are procrastinating. I am sure you all have more important things to be doing than reading about procrastinating? But wait, don't go now! You may as well stay and read on - it's a serious issue and there has to be a time where we face it head on and learn just why we do it. Finding the cause is the root to solving all problems!

The term “procrastination” comes from a Latin word meaning “to put off for tomorrow” – makes sense! It entered the English language in the 16th century, and by the 18th, Samuel Johnson was describing it as “one of the general weaknesses that prevail to a greater or less degree in every mind”. The amount of people admitting to procrastinating is increasing almost uncontrollably; that’s worrying.

It is generally argued that procrastinators have a lower self esteem; they don’t believe they can accomplish a task, so get into the habit of putting it off. I am not going to argue, admittedly my self esteem isn’t rocket high, and undeniably, I am a huge procrastinator. I usually find that I make huge to do lists of absolutely everything I must do, everything I think of, and think that, as long the list is there I will tackle it… one day… but right now, it all seems a bit overwhelming. Impulsiveness has also been linked to procrastination. Impulsive people generally live in the moment and appreciate today more than tomorrow, this can be great, but it can also lead them to not really take in the importance of deadlines, meaning jobs don’t get done!