BEAT PROCRASTINATION
Better Under Pressure?

HEY WRITER, do you know that the idea that you work better under pressure is a myth? It’s actually a misguided belief a lot of us tell ourselves.

Studies show that no one works better under pressure, so why do we hold on to this belief? Psychologists say it’s a soothing technique procrastinators use to feel less guilty about putting things off.

Begin doing what you want to do now.

We are not living in eternity.

We have only this moment,

sparkling like a star in our hand

—and melting like a snowflake.

― Francis Bacon

Our minds have an inner guidance that reminds us of all the obligations and activities we have on our plates. When we start slacking and fail to meet our obligations, our egos protect us from internal dialogues that can cause shame or guilt.

While our minds know what tasks we should be completing, our ego protects us from feeling bad about it by supporting the belief we can actually perform better if we wait.

Better Under Pressure?

When you wait until the last minute to tackle a task, you don’t magically become smarter or more capable than you were the day before. You’ve simply learned how to focus your energy and resources, and cut off all distractions to get things done.

Your priorities shift and you develop the hyper focus you need to finish the project. Pressure doesn’t open up your level of genius, it simply becomes your task master.

Studies show that pressure actually diminishes our ability to regulate our emotions, make smart decisions, and use our best judgement.

Procrastination Mythbusters

Did you know it’s possible to shift your mindset, and stop procrastinating. so that you get adequate time, energy, and resources to complete your tasks?

The key is to be honest about what pressure means to you and how you use it to perform. Here are some of the myths about working under pressure that need to be busted:

– Putting things off relieves stress: Myth! Many procrastinators believe that they manage their stress levels better if they put things off. That if they wait and manage a task later, it frees up time that can be used for other things right now. If anything, this increases your stress levels, as you’re effectively juggling more tasks and giving yourself more things you need to remember. Procrastination doesn’t reduce stress; it increases it by creating a lingering task that is hanging over your head and may end up requiring more attention than it would have, had you dealt with it when you were supposed to.

– Difficult tasks are easier to deal with under pressure: This is a half-myth/half-fact. It’s true that it’s easier to deal with difficult tasks when you’re hyper-focused, but being pressed for time is not a magic hyper-focus button. All you really need to be able to hyper-focus is discipline and the ability to cut out distractions.

Don’t fool yourself into believing the myth. You don’t work better under pressure. You work better when you’re hyper-focused and free from distractions. Being proactive and taking care of your tasks without the threat of time, is far superior to working under stressful conditions. You get better results and your mind and body will thank you for the stress reduction. It’s a win-win.

Questions of the Day:

– What myths do you tell yourself about procrastination?

– How do you rid yourself of distractions when you need to be hyper-focused?

Let’s talk in the comments below, or send me your response via socials/email.

If you want to take on the 30 Days to Beat Procrastination challenge, follow the links below.

Thank you for reading this article! I hope you enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing you here again.

Tjingeling!

//Evalena

© Evalena Styf, 2020

30 Days to Beat Procrastination

DAY 1: The 30-day challenge

DAY 2: No, You’re Not Lazy

DAY 3: You’re Not Alone