The battle between emotions and productivity is procrastination.

I really didn't want to write about this (or push up anything this month), but I was pissed and thought you wouldn't mind having a share in my piss-dom.

I've been trying to complete a piece, even with my outline, but my mind hasn't been in frame to conjure just the words to fill up the definitions that I am looking out for. And I've been sleeping like . . .? What is it?! Trying to stay awake is a problem, but my screen time makes it look like I'm not accomplishing anything, really.

I decided to report myself to Babe, and she says she's glad I'm beginning to sleep. She even added well, like. . .I was sleeping well? Here I am complaining about not doing what I want to do, and I'm being celebrated for sleeping. For real? Don't do this to me!

Now, what’s more striking is the reality of it — the fact that I am not the only one facing it at this time.

You know, sometimes you just feel like getting things done that you do not care what your body feels about the process. How it's easy to claim *being productive at the expense of healthy living, and how we beat ourselves up for not getting things done in record time — because we are actually tired (better put, exhausted).

Countless times we've unintentionally promoted procrastination, the "I will . . . later" syndrome. And it makes us put ourselves in shelves that do not fit. Truth is, we still find it comfortable to fit ourselves in, and beat ourselves about it.

I did a little research, and found out a little more about this procrastination thingy. And in reading, found it relative. I got to understand better the root cause of procrastination, which got me reflecting on why I hadn't finished (or re-started) a particular clients job — I wasn't lazy, I wasn't just in the mood.

Mood? Yes, a preserved 2019 NY Times article on procrastination by Charlotte Lieberman gave words to the thoughts I've always had about procrastination being something more internal than productivity hacks have made people believe. Something that has to do with the human psychology.

Into the Unknown. . .

I love definitions as it aids understanding of concepts, and it would be best we look into what procrastination is defined as:

Etymologically, it is derived from the Latin verb "procrastinare" meaning to put off until tomorrow.

It is also derived from the ancient Greek word "akrasia" meaning doing something against our better judgment.

Our lingua franca just sums it up with a bit of habit and intentionality: The act of postponing, delaying or putting off, especially habitually or intentionally.

The singular fact that we’re not only aware of the task being avoided, but also the repercussion, and yet carry on to procrastinate is funny (yet, the cause for feeling really bad about ourselves). A professor of motivational psychology, Dr. Piers Steel, says in clear terms: "It’s self-harm."

It's amazing how some people give their life to researching things that we consider unusual, but are always affected by. Something like procrastination. Here's the bomber:

Procrastination is not about time management, but ability to manage challenging emotions and moods that certain tasks bring up like froth from a raging sea. You know, boredom, insecurity, frustration, resentment, self doubt and even more.

(At least, now I know I was frustrated by the countless breaks and revisions that had to happen just for one part, and would have to continue for. . . LOL.)

Two doctors , both professors of psychology, Dr. Fuschia Sirois and Dr. Tim Pychyl, found out that procrastination is "about being more focused on the immediate urgency of managing negative moods than getting on with the task." I would add, instant gratification usually in place of a what your mind would call *slaving away on a task.

According to them, usually, the "I will...later" syndrome is dependent on the type of task one is faced with (or the situations surrounding it) and the vibe that comes with it. Some jobs make you doubt your skills (No caps). At that point, mopping the room seems a better thing to do, but doesn’t change the fact that we’ve unintentionally associated a negative feel with what’s really to be done, and the feeling would still come around whenever you plan to continue.

True, there are more classes on how to get more done, but an insignificant number really help you identify the root cause. That's why you would still procrastinate to do some things after taking up those hacks. They, just like procrastination, bring short term results from dealing with now without the future in view.

Dealing with Procrastination.

In clearer terms, procratination is not about productivity, but about your emotions. Learn to manage that and you'll watch your productivity sky rocket. So, what's the way to deal with your emotion? By not neglecting it.

The number of times I've had to break down from doing just a lot or having a lot arranged to be done is errr... Twice? It's as babe would put it. If you feel tired, Rest!

There are some other things that are really not regarded, but matter.

1. Accepting that you've procrastinated, forgiving yourself and moving on.

2. Having compassion on this mortal body, and treating yourself with kindness and understanding in the face of mistakes. You deserve to be spoilt, sometimes.

3. Reframing your mind. Think about the outcome on the long run. It's benefits, and how you would feel when it's done and then start at it. Sometimes, all that is required is "I've passed through something similar before, this is just another in a different form."

4. Tempting your temptation. Make it inconvenient for you to fall for your temptation. Sounds odd, but using the Do Not Disturb tab on my phone, with my data on works. Freeze the apps that entice you and lock the freezer app itself with a strong password not fingerprint😂.

To this end, I’m not justifying procrastination, I’m just stating the obvious. Away from the labels and types of procrastinators there are, if the underlying cause (the continuous crave for that feeling of immediate happiness) is not tackled, all we’re doing is create more avenues to procrastinate ourselves.

Remember, it is not about getting things done, but managing your emotions to help you get the right things done. Now, that's real productivity hack!

Phew! I'm going to sleep, again (but this time this piece is complete). Babe would be so proud of me.

P.S:

It took cutting my hair to look this good...damn! Why did I stall? I liked the instant gratification my mind was getting from having an unplowed hair, but David saw the potentials in it. He spoke to my emotions and now every part of me is thankful I did.

Sometimes, we need that one person who would ginger us to do what's right. Or what we know is right. Just like David (my barber) was to me, I could be of help. Just be plain.