One of the most destructive effects of procrastination is the fact that it makes you feel out of control. Procrastination is like an ‘invisible force’ that keeps you from doing the very things you know you must do. With the increasing demands on our time and attention, there seems to be an increase in procrastination as a chronic problem, especially among those people that want to succeed the most. Procrastination usually sets in when you feel overwhelmed by all the ‘have to’s in life and instead of making steady progress you take on too much without ever getting any of it done.

 Feeling out of control takes away all your power to shape and direct your own life. It’s true that there are many things over which you have no control, but you always have full control over what really happens to you – and what really happens to you is a mental process independent of the circumstances and events of the outside world. Being empowered means that you realize that you already have the power and this realization also gives you the ability to take action. Here are five empowering procrastination tips that can help you to reach this realization and become empowered to effectively deal with procrastination and inaction.

1. It’s All Inside:

Procrastination is an internal process and although it might feel like it’s happening to you, you are in actual fact responsible for it. This procrastination tip can help to put you back in control almost immediately. Procrastination is not an external force, but an internal response and evaluation. The simple realization that it’s ‘you’ that is doing it to ‘you’, gives you the power to do something about it.

Sometimes, procrastination is a symptom of a larger issue such as anxiety, overwhelm, or lack of clarity. Take a moment to reflect on what's causing you to delay and write it down. Are you unsure how to start a project? Do you feel overwhelmed by the workload? Is the task not aligned with your values or goals? Once you identify the root cause, you can take steps to address it directly. For example, if you feel overwhelmed, you might break the task down into smaller, more manageable steps, or delegate some of the work to others.

2. It's All You 

When procrastination drags you down, it can be easy to feel like you're stuck in a cycle that you can't break. But the truth is, you have more control than you might think. Procrastination is a habit, and like any habit, it can be broken with the right mindset and approach.

Believing that you can overcome procrastination is the first step. If you tell yourself that you're always going to be a procrastinator, then you're setting yourself up for failure. Instead, adopt a growth mindset and tell yourself that you can change. You can learn new habits and behaviors that will help you to become more productive and efficient.

The second belief you need to develop is that you are the one who can overcome procrastination. No one else can do it for you. This means taking responsibility for your actions and making a conscious effort to change. It's easy to blame external factors like a busy schedule or a lack of motivation, but the truth is that procrastination is a choice. By choosing to take control of your actions, you can break the cycle of procrastination and start achieving your goals.

Remember, procrastination is not a permanent state. You created this habit, which means you have the power to uncreate it. By developing a growth mindset and taking responsibility for your actions, you can overcome procrastination and achieve success in all areas of your life.

3. It’s All In Your Head:

The reason why most people remain stuck in patterns of procrastination is because of fear. When it comes to procrastination, fear is often the underlying cause. We might be afraid of failure, or of not meeting other people's expectations. We might be afraid of the hard work and effort that a task requires.

The problem is that when we allow fear to control us, we end up stuck in patterns of procrastination. We put off tasks because we're afraid of the outcome, and in doing so, we miss out on opportunities for growth and achievement.

To overcome fear and procrastination, it's important to confront the things that scare us. This means doing the very things that we don't want to do. It means facing our fears head-on and taking action, even when it's uncomfortable or difficult.

The truth is, fear only exists in our imagination. It's always something that hasn't happened yet, and may never happen at all. Procrastination, too, is not real - it's just a way that we evaluate things in our minds. By confronting our fears and taking action, we can break free from the cycle of procrastination and achieve our goals.

4. It’s All about conditioning:

Consistency is key to achieving success in any area of life. Whether it's athletics, academics, or business, the most successful individuals are those who can repeat their success consistently over time. And the key to developing this consistency is through conditioning.

Our nervous system operates through conditioning. When we repeat a behavior or action over and over again, it becomes "normal" to us, and our brain and body learn to do it automatically. This is why it's so important to develop positive habits and routines that support our goals and aspirations.

However, conditioning can also work against us. If we have a conditioned response of procrastination, for example, we will always feel out of control and unable to break free from the cycle of procrastination. In the end, reconditioning yourself to overcome procrastination requires a commitment to consistent effort and practice. It won't happen overnight, but with time and persistence, you can break free from the cycle of procrastination and achieve success in all areas of your life. Remember, your nervous system is constantly learning and adapting, and you have the power to shape it in a way that supports your goals and aspirations.

5. It’s All about awareness:

While procrastination is often viewed as a negative behavior, it's important to recognize that it does serve a purpose. In fact, procrastination can be a helpful guide to understanding what really matters to us.

 We only procrastinate about things that have value to us. If we didn't care about the task or outcome, we wouldn't procrastinate in the first place. So, instead of viewing procrastination as a failure or weakness, we can start to see it as a signpost pointing us toward what we truly value. By being aware of this fact and developing an awareness of our behavior, we can empower ourselves to take charge of our lives on a much deeper level. Instead of feeling helpless and out of control, we can use our procrastination as a tool for self-discovery and growth.

For example, if you find yourself procrastinating on a project at work, it may be a sign that you need to reevaluate your career goals and priorities. Or, if you procrastinate on going to the gym, it could be a sign that you need to reassess your relationship with exercise and find a form of physical activity that truly resonates with you.

By embracing procrastination as a guide and being aware of our behavior, we can gain a greater sense of clarity and purpose in our lives. We can start to prioritize the things that truly matter to us and take action toward achieving our goals and aspirations.

Procrastination can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth if we are willing to embrace it and use it as a guide. By being aware of our behavior and developing an understanding of why we procrastinate, we can take charge of our lives and achieve success in all areas. So, next time you find yourself procrastinating, take a step back and ask yourself what this behavior is telling you about your values and priorities.

 When you are empowered you are in charge, and even if things seem to go wrong on the surface, underneath you know that you have the power to deal with it effectively. Procrastination is disempowering and it takes away your ability to take immediate action and deal with any situation. Always remember that you are ultimately in charge of yourself. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow. Don’t delay. Act!