We all do it. We put things off. It’s human nature. But did you know that procrastination can actually be bad for your health? Studies strongly suggest that chronic procrastinators tend to earn less, suffer more anxiety, and have a higher risk of heart attacks or strokes.
The Deadline Dilemma
Let’s talk about deadlines. Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand gave some people a one-week deadline, others a one-month deadline, and some no deadline at all. Guess who responded the most? You got it, the no-deadline folks! The one-week group came in second, and the one-month folks were the least likely to get things done.
Professor Stephen Knowles explains it this way: “A longer deadline removes the urgency to act. People therefore put off undertaking the task, and then they are inattentive or forget.”
Don’t Let Your To-Dos Fall Off the Cliff
So what’s the takeaway? It’s okay to put off that annoying task until tomorrow, but if you push it off to next month, it’s likely to disappear into the abyss of oblivion.
The Power of Accountability
Here’s a tip: Create your own deadlines by promising to someone else that you’ll get the task done. Find a friend, family member, or colleague who’s willing to hold you accountable. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.
So, next time you’re tempted to put something off, remember the potential consequences. Procrastination might seem harmless, but it can actually have a negative impact on your life. Get those tasks done and start living your best life!
Someone with nothing to say, writing for someone with nothing to do.