Yesterday you said tomorrow.

Tomorrow has come and gone.

Welcome to the Workplace Procrastination Club, which has a mile-long queue to get in.

Definition of procrastination

The definition of procrastination, according to Merriam-Webster, is to intentionally delay doing something that should be done.

We are all guilty of procrastinating from time to time. However, some people have mastered this art to the point where it negatively affects their work and life.

An example of procrastination at work is someone who spends time on mundane work-related tasks, such as ordering office supplies, instead of writing a crucial report. Another example is someone who jumps from cubicle to cubicle, checking on colleagues when they know they should be getting ready for an important meeting.

The impact of technology on procrastination

Technology was supposed to make us more productive. However, instead, technology has become one of the main causes of procrastination. Here are some ways technology contributes to procrastination:

Social media: Social media can be a huge distraction. In all likelihood, many of you waste hours scrolling through your Instagram and Facebook feeds while at work, when you should be focusing on work-related stuff.

E-mail: Reading your emails as they come in is another way people procrastinate. And of course, once you’ve read an email, you need to respond immediately, even if you’re late for a work deadline. And while you’ve shifted your focus, you might as well order those few items on Amazon that you’ve had on your to-do list for a while.

Online Videos: You may have gone online to watch a short video to help you solve a work schedule, but that was over an hour ago. Before long, you find yourself watching a collection of non-work related YouTube videos because it’s all too easy to mindlessly click from one video to another. Before you know it, it’s lunch time and you’ve done very little of your actual work.

How procrastination is sabotaging your career

Many people use procrastination like it’s a badge of honor. They say, “Oh, I’ve always been a procrastinator, and look how well I’ve done.” Or “I work much better under pressure, which is why I procrastinate.”

However, most people don’t realize the real impact their procrastination has on others. Here are some ways this is done in the workplace:

• Missed deadlines you give colleagues less time to do their jobs properly, which adds undue stress to their workday.
• Poor quality of work it turns out your boss has to clean up your mess.
• Consistent procrastination can lead to resentment among team members.

As a result, procrastinators can expect lower wages and shorter employment periods. They will likely see career growth slowed and experience higher levels of stress.

Stop procrastinating: take action Now!

Here are some practical tips to tackle procrastination.

If you’re serious about overcoming procrastination, don’t delay.

• Divide the workload. Break larger tasks into manageable steps, which will help you stay motivated and reduce the overwhelm that can happen when you have a big task in front of you.
• Prioritize tasks. Focus first on high-impact activities and those workloads that you are not particularly passionate. Do them first thing so they’re off your plate.
• Be kind to yourself. You won’t get over the overnight snooze. Recognize your successes.
• Success, not perfection. Nobody is perfect. When you are 80% there with a task, move on.
• Get an accountability partner. It’s much easier to change behavior when someone is cheering you on from the sidelines. Find an accountability partner to help you stay on track.

Procrastination isn’t just a bad habit; is a potential career killer. By recognizing its impact and applying these strategies, you can break free from the procrastination cycle. Every moment you choose action over procrastination is an investment in your future success.

Don’t wait for tomorrow – start overcoming procrastination today.