Scratching The Surface Of Severe Procrastination
Scratching The Surface Of Severe Procrastination
Did you know that the word procrastination can be broken up into its Latin sub parts and translate into "for tomorrow?" For those of you who have never done it, procrastination is the act of putting off a task or dodging responsibilities. Some people seem to practice severe procrastination to the point of it pervading every aspect of life. For them, it is the ultimate form of escapism from every day life because they just cannot seem to cope.
Symptoms Of The Problem
Severe procrastination could include total forgetfulness, which is also viewed by others as supreme indifference. Distraction, disorganization and feeling overwhelmed to the point that you just totally give up on trying to do things are other symptoms. Severe procrastination has also been seen as a facet of depression, a condition where everything seems meaningless to the point where even getting out of bed is too much work.
Mental illness or drastic emotional baggage can contribute to severe procrastination but whether one is cause or effect, some experts cannot get to a clear answer. In fact, some clinical studies suggest that severe procrastination is really a symptom of a number of ailments such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. As far as the obsessive-compulsive disorder, it sort of makes sense as some people with it strive to make things appear perfect while in procrastination, one of the causes is trying to achieve perfection in their task, which of course prolongs or even prevents completion.
One Track Mind?
Some people are genetically predisposed to literally having a one-track mind, meaning that they can only focus on one task at a time. Of course, you can see where this heads in terms of severe procrastination. This one-track mind disposition is called monotropism, which is related to various forms of autism. Seemingly normal on the outside, these people literally cannot multi-task or function on several levels even though they strive to do so. However, to appear normal and just like everyone else, they commit to various things, which of course they cannot do and is interpreted as severe procrastination.
It takes major behavior modification to overcome severe procrastination as well as the conditions that are the likely cause of it. Do not view this type of procrastination as just a bad habit that needs breaking but rather a true ailment needing medical treatment. In addition, counseling and prescription drugs to aid in manipulating these behaviors may be needed to help you change.