Irene Tussy
Sometimes that new Netflix series that just dropped is way too tempting to avoid watching. So, I guess that means we can give in to the temptation and finish our homework later… right? We can all recall a time when we’ve caught ourselves procrastinating, but let’s be honest, is it really in our best interest? Putting off work, time and time again, builds a habit of waiting until the last minute to address urgent tasks. Do you find yourself procrastinating often? Need guidance to break this habit? If so, allow me to tell you how to minimize your procrastination.
Research has shown evidence of a link between mindfulness and rates of procrastination. According to Psychology Today, “mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present. This state is described as observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad.” In engaging in this state of active and open attention, mindfulness allows one to gain perspective on her consciousness. As a result, she harnesses a sense of serenity, both mentally and relationally.
Studies prove that mindfulness meditation, in particular, can be used to intervene on procrastination. Mindfulness meditation allows us to “quiet the mind or achieve a higher level of consciousness, one of which is mindfulness.” Joseph Goldstein, meditation teacher and co-founder of Insight Meditation Society, highlights the importance of one key phrase in practicing mindfulness meditation: “simply begin again.” Goldstein explains that, by reminding ourselves of this aphorism, “we can actually delight in that moment of awareness rather than judge ourselves for having been lost [in our thoughts]. It’s in this moment that we renew our focus and ‘simply begin again.”
We can apply the mindset embodied by Goldstein’s phrase to procrastination. When we find ourselves distracted and beginning to procrastinate, we can acknowledge our lack of commitment to our intended tasks without judgment, and simply begin again. Mindfulness is used in a plethora of ways, as in the reduction of stress, anxiety, and pain, and allows us to relax. Furthermore, mindfulness may help us eliminate habits like smoking and overeating.
Before you judge yourself for procrastinating and getting caught up in the hectic nature of your day-to-day life, become mindful and simply begin again.
Source: Psychology Today