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     We spend our time on tasks which are easy to do and say that we are so busy that we cannot get to the major project. We might answer our phone calls, write a letter, clean the living room, have lunch -- anything that we find simple and are emotionally prepared to do -- rather than getting to the task that we really have to do. We tell ourselves that we simply had to do these things before tackling our project and there was no time left. We gain some satisfaction from busying ourselves and alleviate our guilt somewhat, but the major task remains unfinished.

     It is easy to externalize blame. "If only I had gotten that promotion, then I would be more involved in my job." "If only my husband would take out the garbage, I would have time to do the things I need to do." "If I had a faster computer I would find more enjoyment in sitting down to write the report." The problem here is that we selectively focus on one reason and ignore the reality of the total situation. The simple truth is that we have a project to do and we have to take into account everything that helps and impedes us, and then move on from there. Things are seldom perfect in anything we do.

     Writing a report might bring up feelings of anxiety -- after all, we have to think of the right words, organize it logically, and look up relevant information. We might feel overwhelmed because of our past experiences with writing reports. Or a man might feel angry that the lawn has to be mowed, especially when his partner keeps harping on him to get it done (in which case the anger is based in being told what to do, not the grass!). We need to separate our emotions from the task itself. In fact, working at the task gives us a good opportunity to see what our emotions are and to confront them honestly. This then allows us to learn where the feelings are coming from so that we can resolve them. Avoiding painful feelings lets them linger on into the future, but confronting them, especially with the help of a supportive and insightful therapist, can lead to emotional liberation.

     "I'll diet after the holidays." "I'll wait until I'm in the mood to call my old friend." "I'll buy new clothes when I make new friends." Although there may be some logic to all of these strategies, they exemplify a major cause of procrastination. We set up artificial barriers which may have little do with actually completing the task at hand. When we construct limitations on our ability to work, it makes the completion of the task all the more difficult.

     Our society places great emphasis on doing the best job every time. When we try to please other people, rather than ourselves, we run the risk of rejection and failure. Perfectionism has its place. After all, it can help motivate us to get started and do the best job we can. But taken to the extreme, perfectionism can also inhibit our efforts completely. "If I can't do the best job possible, I'll do nothing at all...or at least not until I absolutely have to." Coming to terms with perfectionistic tendencies can be a challenging but healthy process. We can examine why we need to please others rather than ourselves, the degree to which this pattern intrudes on various aspects of our lives and the extent to which it helps us...and hinders us.

     Procrastination is a serious problem for many people. It can undermine our sense of well being and prevent us from experiencing the full potential of our lives. A portion of our time is spent pleasurable and a portion is spent on tasks we may not particularly enjoy. Such is the nature of life. To avoid the displeasurable is, unfortunately, to compromise the pleasurable. The person who is emotionally healthy is one who is familiar with and can tolerate the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the light and the dark of life. Living completely entails embracing our responsibilities, relishing our pleasures, and appreciating our time.

"Procrastination is the thief of time."

Edward Young 1742

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