New research on the timeless topic of procrastination highlights the tension between the emotional comfort of procrastinating in the present and the long-term consequences of putting off those tasks we just don't want to do. Known as "short term mood repair," when we procrastinate we momentarily alleviate feelings of anxiety or discomfort by deferring the undesirable task. But this can sometimes create even larger negative consequences in the future.
Researchers advise that we can counteract our procrastinating tendencies by practicing mental time travel into the future. If you are motivated by achievement, visualize yourself in the future, experiencing all the good feelings you will have when you accomplish the task. If you are more motivated by avoidance, imagine the bad consequences of not performing the task. Read more.
Sirois, F., & Pychyl, T. (2013). Procrastination and the Priority of Short-Term Mood Regulation: Consequences for Future Self. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 7, 2, 115-127.
Shellenbarger, Sue. (2014, January 7). To Stop Procrastinating, Look to Science of Mood Repair. The Wall Street Journal.
Women considering making a career change often wonder how to get started. They worry about taking a big risk and the need to balance career satisfaction with the realities of family and financial responsibilities.
