What do we mean by procrastination and how can we recognize it in the workplace?
It refers to the action of leaving something for later. It’s a lack of agility or promptness for performing tasks.
We realize that it is present because others suffer from the backwardness it causes, delays or postponements because we do not act quickly or efficiently when a situation requires an efficient response.
When someone procrastinates, it affects us because of their passive attitude and lack of interest in doing things. These kinds of people delay something causing delays, inconvenience, unnecessary bureaucracy and sometimes chaos due to their inconsistency in delivering results. How many times have you heard claims like, "he doesn't deliver what he promises, or he doesn't deliver it on time”?
Procrastination has a very negative effect on the reputation of people, causing them to lose their credibility and trust of their bosses, co-workers and direct reports.
How can we turn procrastination into decisive action?
Procrastination may lead to "frustration." Fortunately, there are alternatives to acting decisively towards achieving your goals.
Set clear goals with reasonable timelines to meet them. Ask yourself: What are the benefits of fulfilling my commitments on time with the best possible quality? Start ahead and use technological tools to plan and track your activities. There are many apps to plan and track your projects and your daily tasks.
Dare to challenge your limiting beliefs. Ask yourself honestly, what's causing you to postpone the activities you need to complete? what are the beliefs that limit you? Bring to your mind positive examples where you achieved your results on time and with quality, what was the secret of your success? how did you feel? How can you replicate those behaviors to achieve your current goals?
Get in motion. It's a very good idea to share your feelings and perspectives with those you trust, with your work colleagues, or with a counselor or mentor to broaden your perspective and better interpret the situation you're in. Reflect, learn, but keep on going. Move towards your goal in a confident and determined way.
Let us know your comments around this topic, let's learn together on this topic, because making good decisions means having good judgment and common sense that drives us to be better people and professionals.