The silent productivity killer
Procrastination
Published: 05:05 PM,May 27,2024 | EDITED : 09:05 PM,May 27,2024
2674470
Daad Awadh
Muscat, May 27
Why do we procrastinate? Procrastination does two-way damage: One before the start and another while you’re doing something. Many individuals, particularly students, struggle with this issue. Amal al Kaabi, an English language lecturer at the Global College of Engineering and Technology, says, “Regardless of the generous deadlines given, 30 per cent of my students regularly submit their assignments late without any valid excuses. This unfortunate issue not only compromises the quality of their work but also impacts even the performance of our diligent students.” Procrastination is more about emotion regulation than time management, prioritising short-term needs over long-term goals. It was once seen as the bane of the lazy or uninspired but is now recognised as a complex psychological phenomenon affecting everyone from students to CEOs.
It’s important to distinguish between procrastination and lack of motivation. Nutaila al Kharusi, a psychotherapist and Managing Director of Al Harub Medical Centre, explains, “Procrastinators generally have the desire to complete the task eventually, unlike those who lack motivation, who might not have the initial impetus to engage with tasks at all.”
digital ageRecent studies suggest that up to 20 per cent of adults identify as chronic procrastinators, a number that has increased in the digital age. With social media and endless online content, distractions are more accessible than ever, creating a perfect storm for delaying important tasks.
As student Salim al Farsi shares, “I often spend an excessive amount of time scrolling through social media, neglecting my assignments, and ultimately regretting it.” The consequences of procrastination extend beyond last-minute scrambles and missed deadlines. Chronic procrastinators report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. “These effects arise because procrastination can lead to a cycle of crisis management and emergency mode behaviour, which elevates stress hormones over prolonged periods. This chronic stress can significantly impact overall mental health and well-being,” Al Kharusi added.
She also suggests that seeking professional help can be beneficial when procrastination is linked to deeper psychological issues. Overcoming procrastination involves more than downloading a time management app or learning new strategies for self-control; it requires managing our emotions in a new way.
Techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, where work is broken into short, timed intervals, can be effective. Creating a detailed daily schedule and planning your day with a to-do list, allocating specific time slots for each task, can also help combat procrastination. Despite the challenges, these methods offer hope for those looking to improve their productivity and manage their time more effectively.
per cent of my students regularly submit their assignments late without any valid excuses. This unfortunate issue not only compromises the quality of their work but also impacts even the performance of our diligent students
30
Amal al Kaabi, English language lecturer
Muscat, May 27
Why do we procrastinate? Procrastination does two-way damage: One before the start and another while you’re doing something. Many individuals, particularly students, struggle with this issue. Amal al Kaabi, an English language lecturer at the Global College of Engineering and Technology, says, “Regardless of the generous deadlines given, 30 per cent of my students regularly submit their assignments late without any valid excuses. This unfortunate issue not only compromises the quality of their work but also impacts even the performance of our diligent students.” Procrastination is more about emotion regulation than time management, prioritising short-term needs over long-term goals. It was once seen as the bane of the lazy or uninspired but is now recognised as a complex psychological phenomenon affecting everyone from students to CEOs.
It’s important to distinguish between procrastination and lack of motivation. Nutaila al Kharusi, a psychotherapist and Managing Director of Al Harub Medical Centre, explains, “Procrastinators generally have the desire to complete the task eventually, unlike those who lack motivation, who might not have the initial impetus to engage with tasks at all.”
digital ageRecent studies suggest that up to 20 per cent of adults identify as chronic procrastinators, a number that has increased in the digital age. With social media and endless online content, distractions are more accessible than ever, creating a perfect storm for delaying important tasks.
As student Salim al Farsi shares, “I often spend an excessive amount of time scrolling through social media, neglecting my assignments, and ultimately regretting it.” The consequences of procrastination extend beyond last-minute scrambles and missed deadlines. Chronic procrastinators report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. “These effects arise because procrastination can lead to a cycle of crisis management and emergency mode behaviour, which elevates stress hormones over prolonged periods. This chronic stress can significantly impact overall mental health and well-being,” Al Kharusi added.
She also suggests that seeking professional help can be beneficial when procrastination is linked to deeper psychological issues. Overcoming procrastination involves more than downloading a time management app or learning new strategies for self-control; it requires managing our emotions in a new way.
Techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, where work is broken into short, timed intervals, can be effective. Creating a detailed daily schedule and planning your day with a to-do list, allocating specific time slots for each task, can also help combat procrastination. Despite the challenges, these methods offer hope for those looking to improve their productivity and manage their time more effectively.
per cent of my students regularly submit their assignments late without any valid excuses. This unfortunate issue not only compromises the quality of their work but also impacts even the performance of our diligent students
30
Amal al Kaabi, English language lecturer