Are you paying the hidden cost of procrastination? You say you will do it tomorrow. Then tomorrow turns into next week, and then months go by, and you are still stuck. Sounds familiar? At the time, putting things off might not seem like a big deal, but it costs you time and money. It is time to take charge because the price is higher than you thought.
We have all put things off by telling ourselves, “I will do them later.” But have you ever thought about how much it costs you? It is not just some stress before a due date. Procrastination can cost you time, money, and the ability to reach your goals.
The Time You Cannot Replace
Everyone knows that time is very valuable and can not be replaced. Every minute you procrastinate, you could have used to learn something new, get better at something, or just relax without feeling bad. We waste a lot of time by watching “just one more episode” or scrolling through social media. As soon as we realize it, due dates are coming up, and we have to rush to get everything done.
Money you lose without realizing it
Procrastination can also cost you money, believe it or not. Just think about the late fees you will have to pay for bills or the chances you will miss work because you put off an important project. You might not have applied for a scholarship on time, or the prices of plane tickets went through the roof because you waited too long. Even small delays can end up costing a lot of money.
We all want to do things like start a business, start exercising, or learn a new language. But we cannot succeed because of procrastination. We always say, “I will start tomorrow,” but we never get anything done. Day after day and month after month, nothing changes. We move more slowly when we delay our work.
How to Stop Procrastination
Here are some easy ways to stop procrastination:
- Start small. Cut a big task into several smaller ones if it seems too big. Getting started is usually the hardest part.
- Set a timer for 5 minutes and start working on it. This is called “The 5-Minute Rule.” Once you start, you will be tempted to finish the rest.
- Remove all distractions. Put your phone away, block social media, and make sure your desk is clear.
- Set a deadline, even if the task does not have one.
- Set a reward for yourself once the task is complete. This makes working more enjoyable.
In the beginning, putting off anything may seem acceptable, but down the line, it could spell disaster for your life. By putting a stop to it, one can start to grow as a person. Understanding that there is a problem is the first step. Being conscious of how you spend your time and making small changes can help you stop procrastination.
So, what have you been putting off? Perhaps today is a good time to begin.
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Writer
Sarah Mahdia
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE.