Procrastination and accountability are intertwined concepts that impact our productivity.
They influence each other.
Once the cycle starts, it can be difficult to break.
The causal relationship often begins when there isn’t a sense of accountability.
Because we lack deadlines, we don’t feel pressure to get things done.
Because there is no pressure we do other tasks – sometimes feeling productive.
Yet, we never make progress on the original project.
This cycle is more likely to happen with projects above our daily deliverables.
Projects that don’t have a clear timeline or aren’t “assigned” fall into the cycle easier.
Reasons the cycle begins include avoiding stress, fearing failure, and not knowing where to start.
My Perspective
Self-Awareness around procrastination and accountability can help break the cycle.
We can dig into understanding what type of accountability each of us need.
One helpful assessment is Gretchen Rubin’s 4 Tendencies which I explored this in a post.
Another technique is to become aware of the ways in which we personally procrastinate.
Several types of procrastination were covered here.
The formula looks different for everyone.
When you are aware of your procrastination-accountability formula, you can look out for it.
When the tendencies creep in, you develop strategies to fight back.
Your Turn
What project in your life is stuck in the procrastination – accountability cycle?
Is there a way to add more accountability?
What form(s) is your procrastination taking?