Do you or your kids procrastinate? Would you like to stop putting things off—and do so now—not later?
Start by looking at procrastination through an AWARENESS lens. Be mindful about underlying causes when determining the best approach and resolution for each situation.
EXAMPLES
Here are some scenarios and basic solutions parents and kids can consider.
If you procrastinate because something is too easy, or monotonous, or not interesting, try adding elements of creativity, surprise, competition, or intrigue to the task. If procrastination is related to difficulties with organization or time management, explore some technological apps, or speak with others about what they do to succeed. Do you procrastinate due to complexity or because you feel overwhelmed? Break things down into segments. Do conflicting expectations lead to disagreements and result in task avoidance? If so, strive to de-escalate conflict. Build upon the relationship, changing sparks of tension into shows of support And, if distractions are problematic, identify and eliminate them!
It’s important to realize what might be having an impact on behavior, causing the avoidance or procrastination—but it’s also important to be willing to take action to become more productive. This means taking steps beyond AWARENESS of the causes by moving toward being CONSTRUCTIVE—that is, taking ownership of behavior through agency (involvement) and effort (work).
TEN TIPS!
A CONSTRUCTIVE lens enables families to focus on strategies that will help them pivot away from procrastination tendencies. Here are ten practical procrastination busters.
1. Set reasonable goals – Keep goals manageable, meaningful, and attainable.
2. Communicate – Talk about why effort is gratifying. Provide kids with relatable examples from your own experiences.
3. Be determined – Teach children about resolve and resilience. Emphasize the importance of staying focused, and not giving up when confronting challenges.
4. Plan – Encourage children to plan ahead. Preparedness can increase confidence and improve outcomes.
5. Offer support – Reinforce children’s attempts to stop procrastinating. Acknowledgement and praise are motivating.
6. Assist – Lend a hand or an ear as necessary. Be available to guide—and to inspire! Help children learn how to utilize their strengths, and fortify areas of weakness.
7. Maintain routines – Retain familiar practices and activities. These can provide comfort and consistency.
8. Use creativity – Creative approaches can complement effort, augment motivation, and fuel fulfilment.
9. Pick your battles – Avoid power struggles. They’re counterproductive.
10. Collaborate – Work alongside one another. Don’t try to take on too much alone.
LAST WORDS
“With enthusiasm you can change your world.”
(Bust Your BUTS, p. 32)
Everyone has different capabilities, limitations, energy levels, and preferences. Regardless, each morning dawns with the promise of possibilities. As one day, week, month, or season transitions to another, encourage your family to work together to try and overcome procrastination, and make the most of every opportunity.
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Procrastination can be triggered by laziness, confusion, boredom, lack of skills, frustration, inadequate support, self-doubt, fatigue, emotions (such as anger, worry, or sadness), and so on… Nevertheless, there are ways to prevent, manage, and eliminate tendencies to put things off. For additional information and hundreds of ideas for dealing with procrastination, check out the award-winning Bust Your BUTS: Tips for Teens Who Procrastinate, and the resource book Not Now. Maybe Later: Helping Children Overcome Procrastination.
