Bookmark This Page

Delicious Google Bookmarks Stumbleupon Digg BlinkList Ma.gnolia Reddit Yahoo My Web

Lack of Motivation and Procrastination

Wouldn’t it be nice if lack of motivation was the least of our worries and we never had to worry about procrastination? Chances are that even if you do have a “work first” personality, there are times when you just don’t have it in you to get the job done in time. There are many consequences you may encounter as a result of your lack of motivation, but thankfully there are several ways to combat it as well. First it is important to know what the underlying causes are, and how it may manifest in your life.

• Fear of Rejection. Writers especially often debate the true cause of their lack of motivation as a fear of rejection instead of a block of ideas. If we are afraid that we will get turned down for what we do, we will tend to avoid doing it in the first place. Of course, often these fears are unfounded, and probably stem from a childhood event that has subconsciously stuck with us in the form of lack of motivation.

• Fear of Failure. The same holds true for failure as it does for rejection. Often, we imagine that the outcome of our endeavors will be a poor product that will reflect badly on our good name. Our inborn nature is to avoid situations that will be detrimental to us. It’s survival of the fittest. Unfortunately, lack of motivation can cause serious problems for us, and often causes us more problems than we were trying to subconsciously avoid.

• Lack of Self Worth. If we feel we are not worthy of a positive outcome, trying to reach our goals will become very difficult. This is evident in those who are trying to lose weight. The may have a believe that they do not deserve to be thin, or deserve the attention and good things that may come as a result of losing the weight.

So now that we know some of the causes of a lack of motivation, it’s important to know what can happen as a result of procrastination. In many instances, not getting our chores or jobs done does not really have an effect on our lives. However, there are many times when procrastinating or avoiding work can cause terrible trouble with our relationships, finances, or overall well-being. Although a lesser example, think back to how much money you’ve lost over the years because of not sending in rebates in time. A lack of motivation and tendency to procrastinate is to blame. Other consequences of your lack of motivation can include the following:

• Self Esteem. If we fail to live up to the demands others make of us, or fail to follow through with projects we agreed upon, we may begin to look down upon ourselves. We might start unnecessary negative self-talk. “I can’t do it,” and “I’m not a good person” may be thoughts that cross your mind when your lack of motivation causes procrastination.

• Increased Stress. You may feel responsible for a project if it doesn’t go well or is turned in late. Or, you may avoid doing activities outside the home because you know there is a project that just “has to get done.” This stress is unnecessary and avoidable.

How do we conquer our lack of motivation? There are two things that motivate the human body above all else. Fear of pain and please are powerful motivators. Try this. Make a list of all the things you fear will happen if you do not follow through on your goals, and of all the pleasure you will miss out on. Are you afraid of gaining weight back if you stop going to the gym? Then, make a list of all the pain you will lose and pleasure you will gain by following through. Perhaps you’ll avoid the embarrassment of having to go up a clothing size and buy all new clothes. Practice this exercise with all your goals and you’ll soon see your lack of motivation disappear.