The procrastination meaning, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is:
"to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done"
That's pretty clear, isn't it? But what does this word really mean in the context of your own life? Read on to find out...
"Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday."
First, let's look at the root of the word:
pro ≈ forward
crastination ≈ tomorrow
Turning this into verb then becomes
"to put forward until tomorrow"
But that really isn't that bad. Doing the task tomorrow instead of today won't change the world, right?
So the real thing we need to stop is not procrastinating, but the habit of procrastinating. Tomorrow soon becomes a week later, a month later, a year later, and on it goes... the vicious circle continues...
Let me illustrate.
Below are three real stories that these people kindly have let me publish here for you. While you read, think about how you manage to handle procrastination when it comes to studying, exercising and cleaning. These stories will really make you understand the real meaning of procrastination.
When Adam was 23 he was a real talent within nuclear physics. His dream was to one day become a professor. During his last semester for a Master of Science, the pressure was on to produce some real good study results.
But Adam had so many other hobbies that he kept postponing his reading until later. But why worry? All he needs are a couple of good weeks before the exams to nail it. Just like usual.
Well, this time it didn't work out that well. Continuous procrastination led to poor results. After that, Adam could not even get the opportunity for a PhD so today his professor dream is no longer in his path.
That was the result of procrastination.
Jenny is soon turning forty. She wants to get fit again like when she was young and healthy. But there's always something coming in between these days.
In fact, when she thinks about it, these plans have been in her mind for over 10 years now. Yet she has really never got any momentum.
It never really seems urgent enough for Jenny to start exercising right now. There's always an opportunity to procrastinate. Now worse than ever. Since she hasn't taken action for 10 years, what does another day matter?
This is the result of procrastination.
Michael and Kathy are the parents of two young children. They are soo tired after long days of work and activities that they rarely have time to keep their home clean and tidy. Frankly, it's a mess. Clothes lying everywhere, dishes undone, and lost items are just some of many things seen daily.
These parents constantly procrastinate cleaning. Their kids get used to having an unorganized home and living a messy life. They don't even learn the basics of taking care of something of value. When they grow up they bring these traits into their own lives and the mess continues.
This will be the result of procrastination.
As you can understand, procrastination is not just about today or tomorrow. It's about your life.
For me personally, the main tool I use is simply to wake up early. Very early. This provides with both the pro-activity and the time I need to always be one step ahead in life instead of one step behind.
I get things done this very morning, not tomorrow.
As you now know, just understanding the procrastination meaning will help you overcome it. I did.
So can you. Starting right now.
Reference: Procrastination in Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Early Riser > Procrastination Quotes > Procrastination Meaning
Thanks for reading! By Matthew M. McEwan
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