Procrastination & Lack of Motivation: A common parent concern
“You can't do everything. But you can do anything, one thing at a time."
Alex Mandossian
Introduction:
According to studies by the APA, teens are much more stressed compared to teens 30 years ago. Higher divorce rates, lack of sleep, and increased homework are key factors. Twice as many teens experience episodes of depression or anxiety, compared to 30 years ago. Current research shows that stress causes procrastination, and inhibits many other processes required for effective learning.
These statistics are particularly high for students in Australia and the US, where teens are suffering more exam anxiety than students in most other countries (OECD, 2017). A small amount of stress can be good, but large amounts of stress can cause chronic anxiety and depression, as well as a range of physical ailments.
Motivation
Motivation is determined by goals. Over the generations, a shift from more personal, intrinsic goals, to more material, extrinsic goals, has left teens not only having less control over their goals, but also feeling they’re less likely to achieve them - and this lack of control correlate significantly with anxiety and depression.
Dr Peter Grey’s hypothesis (Free to Learn, 2013) is that increases in extrinsic goals, anxiety, and depression are all caused largely by an increased emphasis on schooling and less time for free play and relaxation.
Put simply, stress and time management will help to reduce procrastination, anxiety and depression and increase motivation.
Why does stress and overwhelm lead to procrastination?
Stress and overwhelm can lead to procrastination for several reasons, as they can significantly impact an individual's ability to focus, make decisions, and take action. Here are some of the key reasons why stress and overwhelm can contribute to procrastination:
Reduced Cognitive Function: High levels of stress trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this response can be helpful in emergency situations, it can impair cognitive functions when experienced chronically. This impairment can make it difficult to concentrate, plan, and prioritize tasks effectively, leading to procrastination.
Paralysis by Analysis: When overwhelmed by a large number of tasks or complex problems, individuals may engage in excessive analysis and planning without taking meaningful action. This analysis paralysis can result from a fear of making mistakes or not knowing where to start. As a result, tasks get delayed, and procrastination sets in.
Emotional Distress: Stress and overwhelm often bring about negative emotions, such as anxiety, fear, and frustration. These emotions can be demotivating and lead to avoidance behaviour, where individuals procrastinate to avoid confronting the unpleasant feelings associated with their tasks.
Why is it important?
Stress and overwhelm can significantly contribute to procrastination for several reasons:
Psychological Stress: When individuals experience high levels of stress, their ability to focus and concentrate can be impaired. The anxiety and pressure associated with stress can make it difficult to initiate tasks and maintain the necessary mental clarity to work effectively. Procrastination can be a way to avoid facing this stress in the short term.
Emotional Coping Mechanism: Procrastination can serve as a temporary emotional coping mechanism. When people feel overwhelmed, they may delay tasks to provide themselves with a momentary sense of relief. By postponing the task, they temporarily avoid the stressor, even though it often leads to more significant stress later.
Perfectionism: Some individuals procrastinate because they fear not meeting their own or others' high standards. This perfectionism can lead to paralysis, as they delay starting a task to avoid the possibility of making mistakes or not achieving perfection.
Decisional Procrastination: Overwhelm can lead to difficulty in decision-making. When faced with multiple tasks or options, people may procrastinate because they are uncertain about where to start or how to prioritize. This indecision can result in task avoidance.
Cognitive Load: Stress and overwhelm can increase cognitive load, making it harder to process information and plan effectively. This cognitive load can lead to poor time management and difficulty breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, contributing to procrastination.
Avoidance of Negative Emotions: People may procrastinate to avoid the negative emotions associated with tasks they perceive as unpleasant or difficult. This avoidance behavior provides temporary relief from the discomfort of anticipation but often leads to increased stress and guilt in the long run.
Low Self-Efficacy: Stress can erode an individual's confidence in their ability to complete tasks successfully. When people doubt their competence, they may delay tasks out of a fear of failure or a lack of belief in their capacity to handle the demands.
Time Pressure Thrill: Some individuals thrive on the adrenaline rush associated with working under tight deadlines. While they may procrastinate initially, the looming deadline can provide a sense of urgency that motivates them to complete the task. However, this approach can lead to lower-quality work and increased stress.
To combat procrastination caused by stress and overwhelm, it's essential to develop effective stress management strategies, time management techniques, and coping mechanisms. These may include prioritizing tasks, breaking them into smaller, manageable steps, setting realistic goals, practicing self-compassion, seeking support, and developing strategies to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises can help individuals regain focus and reduce the negative impact of stress on their productivity.
Other resources to help understand a different approach to tutoring
