Procrastination is the act of choosing to delay a task, despite it leading to negative consequences. Usually, procrastination occurs with tasks that we experience as unpleasant or uncomfortable in some way, and procrastination functions as a way to dodge this discomfort.
Procrastination is a common issue that can come up in therapy, and I have often noticed that people can attribute procrastination to an internal personal failing, like “I’m so lazy”. However, this may not always be the case. When I am trying to figure out what keeps an individual stuck in a procrastination cycle, I also consider how that individual views themselves and the task to be completed. For example, some people believe that it is best to start a task when they are feeling well rested, inspired, have a high level of motivation, and a stretch of time completely free of interruptions. However, if you wait for all these conditions to be perfect, you will probably be waiting a long time! Alternatively, some people who strive to complete a task to a high standard may believe that a task is not worth doing unless it can be perfect, or very very good, which can also lead to procrastination.
If you find yourself believing that procrastination means that you are simply lazy, consider some of these alternative explanations for what keeps you stuck in a procrastination cycle. To help you with this, I’ve created a list of some common procrastination-prone thinking patterns, and some alternative ways of thinking that leads to doing. Click here to download this list: https://mailchi.mp/78ff90a745a4/procrastination
Lauren Chee (M Clin Psych, BSc (Hons – First Class)) is a psychologist who understands the importance of forming a genuine and caring therapeutic relationship with each individual she sees. Lauren is registered with Medicare and is also an approved practitioner in the NSW Workers Compensation System.
Lauren has experience working with both children and adults within schools, private clinics, and inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. Her warm and supportive approach helps her clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns in order to develop practical strategies to reach their goals. Some of the issues she has helped her clients with include depression, anxiety, perfectionism, adjustment to significant life change, self-esteem, grief, learning difficulties, and school and work-related stress.
In her work, Lauren recognises the individuality of each person and their story, and provides uniquely tailored treatments to support her clients. By being committed to the latest psychological research, she is able to equip her clients with evidence-based skills and knowledge that can lead to positive and lasting change. Lauren is a dedicated and approachable psychologist with a passion for helping her clients live a life in line with their personal values.
Lauren has a special interest in:
Anxiety Disorders e.g. Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Health Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Social Skills and Assertiveness
Parenting and Attachment
Child Mental Health and Wellbeing
Learning Difficulties e.g. ADHD, specific learning disorders
School-Related Stress
Christian Counselling
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time in nature, discovering new music, and sharing delicious meals with her friends and family.