Articles Directory - http://www.articlesdirectory.org
Procrastination and Self Control
http://www.articlesdirectory.org/articles/51903/1/Procrastination-and-Self-Control/Page1.html
Tarang Bhargava

 
By Tarang Bhargava
Published on 11 July 2008
 
Procrastination is definitely a behavior that we all have self control over. It isn’t enough to just know that you procrastinate. You have to take responsibility for it and implement a plan to help you change it. Sometimes procrastinating is a learned behavior that we get from one of our parents. While it can certainly make things easier for the time being, eventually all those things you put off for tomorrow come crashing down on you.
Procrastination and Self Control

Procrastination is definitely a behavior that we all have self control over. It isn’t enough to just know that you procrastinate. You have to take responsibility for it and implement a plan to help you change it. Sometimes procrastinating is a learned behavior that we get from one of our parents. While it can certainly make things easier for the time being, eventually all those things you put off for tomorrow come crashing down on you.

There are many different levels of self control that have to be explored. Unconscious self control is where you run on auto pilot. Just because you have done a particular pattern of behavior doesn’t mean you have to continue it. Identify the triggers that lead you into procrastination and then use your conscious self control to change it. In time the pattern of behavior for you will be to not procrastinate on an unconscious level, but it will take time and dedication.

Semi self control means you consciously are aware of the decision but you rationalize why you don’t have the time, energy, etc. to complete it. For example how many times have you procrastinated about getting some exercise in the evening. You look for excuses to rationalize not doing it such as having to clean up after dinner or your favorite TV show is on. In reality you are merely trying to justify to yourself why it is okay to continue procrastinating.

Most of use don’t apply our full conscious self control when it comes to procrastinating because then we have to face the reality that we are simply being lazy and harming yourself by not completing the tasks we are responsible for. It can be a terrible light to see yourself under but once you realize it the potential is there to actively change your behaviors.

The best type of treatment plan for procrastination is behavior modification. If you don’t get your homework done because you come home and play on the internet then start doing your homework before you can use the computer. Make sure you reward yourself for your efforts to stop procrastinating and you don’t berate yourself when you do slip into old behavior patterns.