According to the Oxford Dictionary, Procrastination was simply defined as delaying or postponing an action, while Wiktionary describes Procrastination as the act of postponing, delaying or pitting off "especially habitually or intentionally".
I personally define Procrastination as an intentional act to extend the timeframe required to perform or carry out a particular task or action.
Of course, there are numerous side effects and dangers relating to procrastination, some of them are:
- It could affect the physical and mental state of a person.
- Terrible performance in academics and workplace.
- Low self-esteem.
- Reputation damage.
1. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STATE: Well yes, Procrastination can be connected to this, How? Just read on... Someone with a critical health issue will definitely find it difficult to attend to him/herself, timed drugs wont be adhered to properly therefore aggravating the illness and causing a deterioration in their health which could eventually lead to death.
2. WORKPLACE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: This is one of the major areas procrastination comes to play, 75 percent of students struggle with procrastination. The common saying "Oh I can always do it later" has caused a lot of regret. Time that should be dedicated to their studies is rather spent playing games, watching TV, Sleeping etc. It has resulted into a considerable number of dropouts, course failures and so many more distasteful results.
In the workplace as well, Not being able to meet up with the boss's deadline due to distractions and engaging in other activities during work hours doesn't really speak well of an employee.. Does it?
3. LOW SELF ESTEEM: Procrastination actually hinders personal growth, It inhibits growth in areas that are crucial in a person's life, And lets not forget that it also causes regret which also leads to low self esteem. Procrastination slowly eats your confidence
4. REPUTATION DAMAGE: Nobody likes empty promises, when you say you'll do something and you don't do it, your image could be tarnished. People tend to hold back on you and stop offering opportunities because they no longer believe in you and just assume you'll only procrastinate again.
Understanding the dangers of procrastinating can help you identify where you are getting it wrong and you could make the intentional act to turn it around. Check yourself !