For many people, the thought of upgrading their current website is a step too far. They’re overwhelmed and totally daunted at the thought of wading through all the data that’s currently stored there, especially if it’s not been looked at for a long time by whoever’s job it is. They’d probably enjoy cleaning out their wardrobe or pantry more!

They know that the design has seen better days, and thinking that it might be cool to have a vintage or retro-style site might work for clothes and accessories, it really doesn’t cut it for websites. Their friends and families could tell them that their website navigation is equivalent to using a 20-year-old paper map while their competitors are using the latest version of Google Maps – visitors to their sites won’t be the ones to break the bad news as they certainly won’t be hanging around, assuming they found it in the first place, because chances are it won’t be picked up by any decent search engines. Intuitive navigation is critical – leave dropping bread crumbs to Hansel and Gretel.

So why do some organisations think it’s ok to have the worst shop-front to their business imaginable?

Surely it’s not by choice? Or is it even down to a cost consideration? Maybe the real reason is that no-one is wanting the bother of it all?

Which nicely leads into a general look at the art of procrastination, which is most likely the real cause …

The Psychology of Why We Procrastinate (But I’ll Tell You Later)

Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday and avoiding today. — Wayne Dyer

We've all been there: a looming deadline, a critical task, or even a simple chore that we just can't bring ourselves to start. Instead, we find ourselves cleaning the kitchen, binge-watching a series, or diving into the abyss of social media. But why do we procrastinate, even when we know it's detrimental? Let's delve into the psychology behind this all-too-common behaviour.

The Pleasure Principle and Avoidance Behaviour

At its core, procrastination is deeply rooted in our desire to avoid discomfort. The pleasure principle, a concept from psychoanalytic theory, suggests that humans are inclined to seek immediate gratification and avoid pain. When faced with tasks that are stressful, boring, or challenging, our brains steer us toward activities that provide instant pleasure, leading to task avoidance.

Check out this link for more in-depth insights – (if you can be bothered)

Fear of Failure and Self-Worth

For many, procrastination is a defence mechanism against the fear of failure. By delaying action, individuals protect their self-esteem; if they don't complete the task, they can't be judged on its quality. This avoidance safeguards them from potential criticism or feelings of inadequacy.

Lots of interesting theories can be found here on Wikipedia - (it’s not compulsory though)

Impulsivity and Lack of Self-Regulation

Impulsivity plays a significant role in procrastination. Those who struggle with self-regulation often find it challenging to prioritise long-term goals over immediate pleasures. This lack of impulse control leads to postponing tasks in favour of more enjoyable activities, even when they recognise the negative consequences of such delays.

The Role of Emotions in Productivity

Emotions significantly influence our productivity. Negative emotions like anxiety, boredom, or frustration can lead to procrastination as individuals seek to avoid these uncomfortable feelings associated with certain tasks. Conversely, positive emotions and effective emotional regulation can enhance productivity and reduce the tendency to procrastinate.

More riveting stuff about emotions and productivity...

The Zeigarnik Effect: Unfinished Business

The Zeigarnik Effect is a psychological phenomenon where people remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. This effect suggests that starting a task, even minimally, creates a mental tension that pushes us toward completion. Leveraging this by simply beginning a task can combat procrastination, as our brains naturally seek to finish what we've started.

Great practical help is available here

Strategies to Overcome Procrastination

Understanding the psychology behind procrastination is the first step toward addressing it. Here are some strategies to help overcome this habit:

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Dividing them into manageable parts can make them more approachable.
2. Set Specific Deadlines: Self-imposed deadlines can create a sense of urgency and accountability.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Instead of harsh self-criticism, approach procrastination with understanding. Recognise it's a common behaviour and focus on actionable steps to move forward.
4. Use the Five-Minute Rule: Commit to working on a task for just five minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part, and this minimal commitment can reduce resistance.
5. Reflect and Adjust: After completing tasks, reflect on what strategies worked and adjust your approach for future tasks.

“No one has ever shamed themselves into productivity.”

Conclusion

Procrastination is a complex behaviour influenced by various psychological factors, from the desire to avoid discomfort to impulsivity and emotional regulation. By understanding these underlying causes and implementing targeted strategies, we can reduce procrastination and enhance our productivity. Remember, the journey to overcoming procrastination is gradual, requiring patience, self-awareness, and consistent effort.

Now, wasn't it worth addressing this topic today rather than putting it off until tomorrow?

Once you’ve come to terms with procrastination maybe now would be a great time to tackle that website revamp? No time like the present! The friendly and empathetic team at Expert are on your side. When it comes to giving your website a makeover, we absolutely relish the thought of helping clients’ businesses to shine. We have tricks and tips to make the process really easy and stress-free. But perhaps most importantly, we never lay blame, make clients feel inadequate or embarrass anyone. We’re on your side every step of the way. Let’s just do it!