Overcoming Procrastination

Time is a very precious commodity. Each moment that is not utilized wisely, is a lost opportunity that cannot be regained. From time to time, many of us fail to take full advantage of this precious resource due to trivial pursuits, engagement in more pleasurable activities, and procrastination from critical tasks. There are many reasons why we put off starting or completing important tasks.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

The underlying cause for procrastination is the lack of self-control or will power. When we are unable to resist the temptation to do something more pleasurable to the senses, compared to something which requires hard work or is boring, then we avoid starting or completing those tasks even if the delay causes harm at a later time. For example, if we put aside reviewing and paying our bills on schedule, we may be hit by late fees or cancellation of services.

According to the Bhagavad Gita (18.28), people with tamasic tendencies (steeped in the mode of ignorance), have many responsibilities, yet they perceive the effort involved as laborious and painful. Thus, they tend to be lazy and procrastinate. They are governed by their basic instincts which makes them unhappy and morose later in life.

अयुक्त: प्राकृत: स्तब्ध: शठो नैष्कृतिकोऽलस: |
विषादी दीर्घसूत्री च कर्ता तामस उच्यते || 28||

ayuktah prakritah stabdhah shatho naishkritiko lasah
vishadi dirgha-sutru cha kartu tumasa uchyate

BG 18.28: A performer in the mode of ignorance is one who is undisciplined, vulgar, stubborn, deceitful, slothful, despondent, and procrastinating.

Swami Mukundananda ji says that people in the mode of ignorance are more likely to choose an easier path to a lower goal than a difficult path to a superior goal.

What are the signs of procrastination?

Procrastination can be easily recognized through many observable behaviors. In 7 Mindsets For Success, Happiness and Beyond, Swamiji says that procrastination will not improve over time on its own accord. Procrastinators tend to indicate signs of laziness as evidenced by “excusitis” and “paralysis by analysis” (p. 67):

• Attributing our shortcomings to destiny;
• Not taking responsibility for one’s own actions;
• Making excuses for not completing tasks;
• Persisting in the preparatory stage of the task or thought pattern forever;
• Postponing task completion to a future undetermined date;
• Continuing to analyze the task or problem instead of finding a solution.

We can overcome procrastination by (1) taking responsibility for one’s own actions, (2) finding the inspiration to start or complete non-preferred tasks, and (3) developing will power to push oneself forward. The gist of these is elaborated below.

How Can We Overcome Procrastination?

The Bhagavad Gita (BG 18.29) explains that the quality and quantity of work is affected by the intellect (buddhi) and determination (dhriti). The intellect is the faculty of discrimination or vivek, and determination is the inner strength or willpower. Together, these nudge the soul to persist, postpone preya pleasure, and start or complete undesired tasks, in spite of challenges, in order to achieve shreya happiness.

However, because our body, mind, and intellect are material in nature, they constitute the three gunas (modes) – sattva guna (i.e., mode of goodness), rajo guna (i.e., mode of passion), and tamo guna (i.e., mode of ignorance). Our personality traits emerge on the basis of which combination of gunas are proportionately dominant within us.

Sattva guna is associated with a peaceful state, high moral values, serenity, etc. Rajo guna is associated with passion, ambitiousness, and endless desire for material enhancement. Tamo guna is characterized by ignorance, laziness, excessive sleep, delusion, intoxication, and other vices.

The sattvic intellect helps souls to make good choices based on righteousness. Shree Krishna tells Arjun that such disciplined and steadfast determination can be achieved through the practice of yog (union with God). “The steadfast willpower that develops when one learns to subdue the senses, discipline the life-airs, and control the mind, is sattvic dhriti (determination in the mode of goodness)” (BG 18.33).

Discipline can help to overcome procrastination by cultivating sattvic qualities through meditation. Swamiji says, “Discipline is the bridge between intention and accomplishment, between inspiration and achievement, and between knowledge and practice. It empowers us to do the right thing even though it may be difficult.” Discipline also empowers us to desist harmful activities inspired by the power of the intellect over the mind.

In conclusion, when internally motivated, we all can do seemingly impossible things to accomplish a valued goal. Swamiji calls it the "why power" or why we feel inspired to pursue a goal no matter how challenging. It is that internal strength that drives our spirit; it is something we would be willing to die for. If we understand the source of the problem, we may be more equipped to overcome procrastination.