Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks, often until the last minute. 

This can mean having multiple tabs open on your browser even though only one or two of those tabs are work-related. It might mean constantly “checking” your phone when you’re having a challenging time finishing a task. 

There’s no need to feel ashamed or guilty — you’re not alone. According to Psychology Today, there’s a 20% procrastination prevalence globally, in countries such as the United States, Australia, England and South Korea.

We’ve all procrastinated at one point or another in various aspects of our lives. It can be difficult to stop once it becomes a habit, which makes it detrimental to our work and well-being, especially in the business world.

Like all bad habits that you want to replace, it’s important to understand the root causes of your procrastination and its effects on you and your business. This will help you identify which strategies to implement so that you can replace your procrastination with healthy work habits.

Causes of procrastination in business

There are many potential reasons people procrastinate. It can be a way to avoid the emotional and mental discomfort that comes with completing certain tasks. This discomfort can be rooted in a fear of failure, fear of rejection or even fear of success. 

Procrastination also gives short-term gratification because it allows an individual to take their mind off their current tasks and the feeling of discomfort that comes with it.

For business leaders, some of the most common reasons for procrastination include:

1. Fear of failure

Most business leaders are driven and ambitious, however, this can come with a deep-rooted fear of failure. When you are afraid of failing, you may avoid taking action altogether, preventing you from moving forward with important tasks.

2. Lack of clarity

Senior executives sometimes don’t have a clear understanding of what needs to be done, so it can be difficult for them to take action. Lack of clarity can lead to confusion and procrastination, especially if they don’t know what steps to take.

3. Overwhelming tasks

Large or complex tasks can be overwhelming, and they may seem impossible to finish. When this happens, you can lose motivation and start procrastinating instead. A task that feels too big to tackle can make you feel that it’s best to avoid it altogether.

4. Perfectionism

Many business leaders have a tendency to hold themselves to very high standards, often to the point of obsession. If you feel like you need to be perfect, it can be difficult to start or complete tasks. It’s easy to become fixated on minor details, spending too much time on them rather than getting the job done altogether, leading you to neglect other important tasks.

5. Lack of motivation

A lack of motivation can be caused by different factors, including boredom, disinterest, or a feeling of disconnect from the task or project. When you lack motivation, you may struggle to take action and may put off the tasks until later. 

6. Lack of focus

Distractions such as social media, email and other non-essential tasks can take away from focusing on important work, making it easier to procrastinate.

Effects of procrastination on business

According to Science News, there is no direct link between procrastination and poor health, but observations suggest that it does lead in this direction.

Procrastination also has more concrete, and immediate negative effects, such as:

1. Delayed completion of tasks

Procrastination often leads to delayed completion of tasks. Putting off tasks until the last minutes can mean that you don’t have enough time to complete them properly or you may need to rush through them, leading to a lower quality of work. This can also result in an increased backlog of tasks, which can impact the overall performance and output of your organisation.

2. Increased stress and anxiety

While procrastinating can give you short-term gratification, it can ultimately make you feel more stressed and anxious when you start thinking about what you need to finish on your to-do list. It can also make you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have left to do.

3. Damaged reputation and relationships

Chronic procrastination can damage your business reputation and professional relationships. When you consistently deliver work of poor quality or fail to meet deadlines, it can negatively impact your relationships with clients, colleagues or peers. 

4. Missed opportunities

Stalling on important tasks or failing to complete them on time can mean that you can’t focus on developing potential business deals, collaborations or other opportunities that could help your business grow.

Solutions to procrastination in business

Once you understand the potential factors that can activate your urge to procrastinate, you can develop specific strategies to address those causes, ensuring that you stay productive and focused.

1. Break down the tasks

Breaking down challenging projects into smaller, more manageable pieces can help you overcome procrastination. By focusing on one small task at a time, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and can make progress towards completing larger projects. 

This will also prevent burnout from other team members who have been previously taking on too much work. 

2. Set realistic deadlines

Setting realistic deadlines can give you a clear timeline of how to divvy up the work to make sure you complete it on time. When you have a schedule to follow, you are more likely to take action and complete tasks on time. However, it’s important to set deadlines that are achievable and not too tight, as this can lead to stress and anxiety.

3. Eliminate distractions

Eliminating distractions can help you stay focused and on track with the progress of your tasks. This can include turning off notifications on your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your browser, or finding a quiet workspace free from distractions.

4. Practice self-discipline

Practising self-discipline can help you overcome procrastination in business. This can involve setting a routine, prioritising tasks, and holding yourself accountable for your progress.

5. Reward yourself

Rewarding yourself for completing tasks can help you stay motivated in your work. This can be as simple as taking a short break or treating yourself to something you enjoy after completing a task. Even business leaders still need to take free time for themselves.

Procrastination can be a major roadblock to success in business. By understanding the causes and effects of procrastination and implementing practical solutions, we can overcome procrastination and achieve our business goals. 

Remember to break down tasks, set realistic deadlines, eliminate distractions, practice self-discipline, and reward yourself for your hard work. By taking these steps, you can become more productive, efficient, and successful in your business endeavours.

Procrastination can be challenging to overcome, but with the proper tools and strategies, it’s something you can address. Contact us and we will help you in boosting your productivity and performance as a business leader.