Embracing Your Inner Procrastinator

Do you think you are a procrastinator? Are you fed up of it? How can you embrace your inner procrastinator?




Thereโ€™s something I find myself learning over and over again. Or maybe itโ€™s more accurate โ€“ and more kind โ€“ to say that Iโ€™m continually deepening my understanding of it. It crops up repeatedly, especially when I feel Iโ€™m falling behind in whatever priorities Iโ€™ve set for myself.

To put it bluntly, it crops up when I find myself procrastinating.



procrastinator

The โ€œitโ€ Iโ€™m talking about is a tidbit of insight that has comforted me and enriched the quality of my life time and time again.

Here it is:

There is nothing wrong with procrastination.

This is tremendously good news, particularly if youโ€™ve burdened yourself with the shameful label of โ€œprocrastinatorโ€ โ€“ which, in our fast-paced, action-oriented culture, is only slightly better than being labeled a liar. Or a loser. Or someone who doesnโ€™t think that mobile devices are all theyโ€™re cracked up to be.




Believe me, Iโ€™m very familiar with the squirmy, uncomfortable feeling that arises when I keep putting off something I need โ€“ or even want โ€“ to do. And in contrast, I know how amazing it feels to be in the flow of productivity and accomplishment. So why, you might ask, do I think thereโ€™s nothing wrong with that sludgy, no-progress state we call procrastination?

It has to do with the word โ€œwrong.โ€ Letโ€™s suspend the label of โ€œprocrastinationโ€ and describe the experience in a neutral way: it is a choice not to do something in this moment. Or perhaps, even more simply, it is a choice made among alternatives. Again โ€“ in this moment.

The reason it feels bad is that weโ€™re judging our choice as wrong. And in doing so, weโ€™re subtly judging ourselves as wrong, or ineffective, or lacking in some way. Itโ€™s the self-judgment that hurts. Let me pause here and offer another tidbit that has enriched the quality of my life time and again:

Read Understanding And Overcoming Procrastination

Self-judgment will never get you where you want to go. Ever.

See if you can feel how liberating it would be to drop the word โ€œprocrastinationโ€ โ€“ and all the judgment it implies โ€“ and simply allow yourself to make fresh choices, moment to moment, about what youโ€™re willing and able to do. Iโ€™ve discovered that what we call procrastination is simply resistance โ€“ and resistance is a message from our inner guidance system that weโ€™ve somehow strayed from our own genuine desires or natural rhythm, or both.

Consider the possibility that your resistance to doing something may beโ€ฆ




  • A natural aspect of your creative cycle, which requires periods of incubation, integration and rest.
  • A signal that what you think you โ€œshouldโ€ do isnโ€™t really what youโ€™re genuinely willing to do, or what would serve you best.
  • A reflection of a fear you may have about moving forward which, until it is acknowledged, cannot be challenged or released.
  • An invitation to pause and modify your plans based on new information.

In the absence of self-judgment, resistance is an opportunity to slow down and learn something about yourself.

I could share numerous examples of clients with whom Iโ€™ve worked, who berated themselves harshly for procrastinating about something only to discover that their resistance was simply trying to get their attention โ€“ their loving, curious attention. What we call procrastination is an invitation to greater self-awareness and deeper self-regard.

Read 7 Inner Archetypes That Cripple Your Confidence and Self-Respect

I remember a former student of mine who was immensely frustrated with herself for not making progress on her mastersโ€™ thesis. The topic for the thesis has actually been suggested by her boyfriend, who was a physician. My client had no genuine interest in the subject; what she really wanted to write was a novel. But sheโ€™d chipped away at the thesis, slowly and grudgingly, until her own resistance ground her to a halt.

Thatโ€™s when she finally admitted to herself that the thesis had nothing to do with who she was or what she wanted to create. She was working on it in an effort to please โ€“ and to appease โ€“ her boyfriend. She was both afraid of him and in awe of him. He was an abusive man and the relationship was not a healthy one, something she had avoided facing for a long time.

It was the resistance to the thesis that finally got her attention. As she awakened more fully to who she is and what she wanted for her life, she chose to end the relationship. She also gave herself permission to suspend work on the thesis. Shortly thereafter, she landed a job teaching creative writing at a local community college, which she loved.

Read 8 Reasons For Lack of Motivation and Enthusiasm (And How To Overcome It)




Had she not judged herself as a procrastinator, she could have more readily seen that her resistance wasnโ€™t a character flaw, it was a message.

The same is true for you. Your resistance โ€“ formerly known as procrastination โ€“ has information for you. Before assuming you are lazy or simply unmotivated, pause. Refuse to judge yourself. Determine to love yourself instead. Get curious about what your resistance may be telling you about who you really are and what you really want for your life. And be willing to listen.

Are you ready to embrace your inner procrastinator?


Written by: Suzanne Eder
Schedule your free consultation with Suzanne to discover if working with her may be your perfect next step in creating a deeply fulfilling life.ย  Emailย [emailย protected]ย for more information.
Originally appeared on: Suzanneeder.com 
Republished with permission. 
Embracing Inner Procrastinator pin


Published On:

Last updated on:

,

— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Today’s Horoscope

  • Daily Horoscope 19 May 2025: Prediction For Each Zodiac Sign

    Daily Horoscope 19 May 2025: Prediction For Each Zodiac Sign

    ๐ŸŒŸ Ready to unlock the secrets of 19 May, 2025? Discover your personalized horoscope and see what the stars have in store for you today! โœจ๐Ÿ”ฎ

    /

Latest Quizzes

Latest Quotes

  • I’m An Introvert: Introvert Quotes

    I’m An Introvert: Introvert Quotes

    Introverts recharge in quiet, not crowds, and speak when it matters.

    /

  • The Small Moments When I Feel Included: Happiness Quotes

    The Small Moments When I Feel Included: Happiness Quotes

    Sometimes, the smallest things are the ones we remember the most.

    /

Readers Blog

  • Divorce Detox – Offense Defense

    Divorce Detox – Offense Defense

    Divorce can be a tough life event. For some, divorce can be wonderful. Regardless of your perspective, there is one key concept that takes place in every divorce. That is, are you on the offensive or defensive? You may be asking yourself โ€“ What is he talking about? This isnโ€™t a sporting event with an…

    /

Embracing Your Inner Procrastinator

Written By:

Do you think you are a procrastinator? Are you fed up of it? How can you embrace your inner procrastinator?




Thereโ€™s something I find myself learning over and over again. Or maybe itโ€™s more accurate โ€“ and more kind โ€“ to say that Iโ€™m continually deepening my understanding of it. It crops up repeatedly, especially when I feel Iโ€™m falling behind in whatever priorities Iโ€™ve set for myself.

To put it bluntly, it crops up when I find myself procrastinating.



procrastinator

The โ€œitโ€ Iโ€™m talking about is a tidbit of insight that has comforted me and enriched the quality of my life time and time again.

Here it is:

There is nothing wrong with procrastination.

This is tremendously good news, particularly if youโ€™ve burdened yourself with the shameful label of โ€œprocrastinatorโ€ โ€“ which, in our fast-paced, action-oriented culture, is only slightly better than being labeled a liar. Or a loser. Or someone who doesnโ€™t think that mobile devices are all theyโ€™re cracked up to be.




Believe me, Iโ€™m very familiar with the squirmy, uncomfortable feeling that arises when I keep putting off something I need โ€“ or even want โ€“ to do. And in contrast, I know how amazing it feels to be in the flow of productivity and accomplishment. So why, you might ask, do I think thereโ€™s nothing wrong with that sludgy, no-progress state we call procrastination?

It has to do with the word โ€œwrong.โ€ Letโ€™s suspend the label of โ€œprocrastinationโ€ and describe the experience in a neutral way: it is a choice not to do something in this moment. Or perhaps, even more simply, it is a choice made among alternatives. Again โ€“ in this moment.

The reason it feels bad is that weโ€™re judging our choice as wrong. And in doing so, weโ€™re subtly judging ourselves as wrong, or ineffective, or lacking in some way. Itโ€™s the self-judgment that hurts. Let me pause here and offer another tidbit that has enriched the quality of my life time and again:

Read Understanding And Overcoming Procrastination

Self-judgment will never get you where you want to go. Ever.

See if you can feel how liberating it would be to drop the word โ€œprocrastinationโ€ โ€“ and all the judgment it implies โ€“ and simply allow yourself to make fresh choices, moment to moment, about what youโ€™re willing and able to do. Iโ€™ve discovered that what we call procrastination is simply resistance โ€“ and resistance is a message from our inner guidance system that weโ€™ve somehow strayed from our own genuine desires or natural rhythm, or both.

Consider the possibility that your resistance to doing something may beโ€ฆ




  • A natural aspect of your creative cycle, which requires periods of incubation, integration and rest.
  • A signal that what you think you โ€œshouldโ€ do isnโ€™t really what youโ€™re genuinely willing to do, or what would serve you best.
  • A reflection of a fear you may have about moving forward which, until it is acknowledged, cannot be challenged or released.
  • An invitation to pause and modify your plans based on new information.

In the absence of self-judgment, resistance is an opportunity to slow down and learn something about yourself.

I could share numerous examples of clients with whom Iโ€™ve worked, who berated themselves harshly for procrastinating about something only to discover that their resistance was simply trying to get their attention โ€“ their loving, curious attention. What we call procrastination is an invitation to greater self-awareness and deeper self-regard.

Read 7 Inner Archetypes That Cripple Your Confidence and Self-Respect

I remember a former student of mine who was immensely frustrated with herself for not making progress on her mastersโ€™ thesis. The topic for the thesis has actually been suggested by her boyfriend, who was a physician. My client had no genuine interest in the subject; what she really wanted to write was a novel. But sheโ€™d chipped away at the thesis, slowly and grudgingly, until her own resistance ground her to a halt.

Thatโ€™s when she finally admitted to herself that the thesis had nothing to do with who she was or what she wanted to create. She was working on it in an effort to please โ€“ and to appease โ€“ her boyfriend. She was both afraid of him and in awe of him. He was an abusive man and the relationship was not a healthy one, something she had avoided facing for a long time.

It was the resistance to the thesis that finally got her attention. As she awakened more fully to who she is and what she wanted for her life, she chose to end the relationship. She also gave herself permission to suspend work on the thesis. Shortly thereafter, she landed a job teaching creative writing at a local community college, which she loved.

Read 8 Reasons For Lack of Motivation and Enthusiasm (And How To Overcome It)




Had she not judged herself as a procrastinator, she could have more readily seen that her resistance wasnโ€™t a character flaw, it was a message.

The same is true for you. Your resistance โ€“ formerly known as procrastination โ€“ has information for you. Before assuming you are lazy or simply unmotivated, pause. Refuse to judge yourself. Determine to love yourself instead. Get curious about what your resistance may be telling you about who you really are and what you really want for your life. And be willing to listen.

Are you ready to embrace your inner procrastinator?


Written by: Suzanne Eder
Schedule your free consultation with Suzanne to discover if working with her may be your perfect next step in creating a deeply fulfilling life.ย  Emailย [emailย protected]ย for more information.
Originally appeared on: Suzanneeder.com 
Republished with permission. 
Embracing Inner Procrastinator pin


Published On:

Last updated on:

,

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

Moving From Stranger To Friend: 3 Tips

Moving From Stranger To Friend: 3 Interesting Tips

Turning a stranger to friend doesnโ€™t have to be overwhelming. Even introverts can build meaningful connections with a few simple strategies. Here’s how to meet new friends.

You don’t have to be an extravert to connect with strangers.

Key points

Even if you are an introvert, research suggests some painless ways to meet new friends.

People like others who are like them, so look for important values you share with others.

It helps to make yourself useful.

Not all locations are equal when it comes to meeting other people like you.

Up Next

What Guilt Is Really Trying To Tell You

What Is Guilt Really? 4 Ways To Let Go Of It

What is guilt, really? Is it a moral compass, a learned response, or something deeper rooted in identity and accountability? Letโ€™s explore with David Prucha.

How guilt can protect us from a feeling we like even less.

Key points

Guilt can feel like hope, it offers the illusion that change is still possible.

Powerlessness isnโ€™t failure; itโ€™s a boundary that protects our energy.

Letting go of guilt allows rest, which prepares us for when action truly matters.

Up Next

5 Things To Do At Night To Wake Up Feeling Happier!

5 Things To Do At Night To Wake Up Happy And Fresh!

Thereโ€™s nothing quite like waking up and feeling good, rested, clear-headed, and evenโ€ฆhappy. But for many of us, mornings feel more like a slow crawl out of a fog. If youโ€™re waking up groggy, or in a bad mood, the solution might not lie in your morning coffee or alarm clock. Instead, it starts with the things to do at night!

Your night time habits play a huge role in how well you sleep, how rested you feel, and how emotionally balanced you are the next day. In fact, studies have shown that simple changes to your sleep routine can boost your mood, improve focus, and even reduce stress levels when you wake up.

Up Next

Defining True Success And Power: What Do Theyย Really Mean?

True Success and Power: What Do Theyย Really Mean? 3 Keys

You chase success and power, but have you ever paused to ask what they truly mean for you, your life, and your deeper purpose? Let’s find out below!

Success and power have many facets.

You can have every material success in the world and still not be happy. Happiness comes from within and without.

As a psychiatrist and empath, I respect that each person has different values and needs. Because of this, I know never to judge a personโ€™s happiness simply by how they appear to the world.

Up Next

Giving Too Much? 6 Signs You’re Caught In Chronic Self Sacrifice Cycle

6 Signs Of Chronic Self Sacrifice And Giving Too Much

Do you give up things for your partner? Feel responsible for your parentsโ€™ happiness? Does saying no make you feel guilty? If so, you might be caught in a cycle of chronic self sacrifice. Want to know more? Read on below.

This isn’t always noble and the right thing to do. It is related to a pattern known as the self sacrifice schema, which involves a deeply rooted belief that other peopleโ€™s needs always come before your own.

It often starts early in life. Maybe you were praised for being โ€œthe helper.โ€ Maybe you learned that expressing your own needs caused conflict, or that your role was to keep others happy. Over time, this belief becomes automatic. You give too much, too often, until you’re left feeling invisible and exhausted. You’re a people-pleaser now.

But by just b

Up Next

3 Warning Signs Youโ€™re Drowning In Toxic Positivity

3 Sneaky Ways Toxic Positivity Shows Up in Your Everyday Life

Toxic positivity isn’t just annoyingโ€”it’s exhausting. When you’re constantly forcing a smile, ignoring real emotions, or brushing off pain with โ€œgood vibes only,โ€ you’re deep in the signs of toxic positivity.

It’s time we start rejecting toxic positivity and make space for honesty over forced positivity.

KEY POINTS

When positivity is forced, it can dismiss valid emotions.

Feeling sad, angry, or frustrated is part of being human.

Instead of saying โ€œLook on the bright side,โ€ ask, โ€œHow can I support you right now?โ€

Up Next

How To Cope When Dysregulated Loved Ones Drive You Crazy

How To Cope With Dysregulated Behavior? 5 Clear Ways

When loved ones are emotionally dysregulated, it can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to stay grounded, protect your peace, and support them without losing yourself.

A few metaphors to help improve interpersonal effectiveness in times of distress.

Key points

It can be very distressing when loved ones are angry, insulting, or demanding.

We can stand firm in choosing what we will and wonโ€™t do in response to their dysregulation.

Maintaining our own boundaries and sense of perspective is key.

When people we care