Why Does Procrastination Happen When the Task Is Too Easy?
Procrastination is often seen as a problem that arises when we face tasks that are difficult, challenging, or unpleasant. However, this phenomenon also often occurs when the task at hand feels too easy or trivial. Why is that? There are various psychological, behavioral, and situational factors at play here.
1. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
- Description: Tasks that are too easy often do not provide enough mental stimulation. Our brains naturally seek challenges and new things to process. When the task at hand does not meet this need, we tend to feel bored.
- Impact: Boredom can significantly decrease motivation. When we don't feel interested or challenged, the desire to start or complete the task decreases.
- Example: Filling out simple forms repeatedly, sorting data that is not complex, or performing routine administrative tasks.
2. Lack of Perceived Value
- Description: Easy tasks are often considered unimportant or less valuable. We may feel that the time and energy spent on the task are not proportional to the results that will be obtained.
- Impact: When we don't see value in a task, we tend to postpone it because we feel there are other things that are more important or beneficial to do.
- Example: Replying to non-urgent emails, cleaning a desk that is already quite tidy, or reorganizing files on a computer that is already organized.
3. Reverse Perfectionism or "No Need to Be Too Good"
- Description: Although perfectionism is often associated with procrastination on difficult tasks, with easy tasks, people may postpone because they feel there is no need to give their best. There is a kind of assumption that because the task is easy, the results will be fine without maximum effort.
- Impact: This thinking can lead us to underestimate the task and postpone it because we feel there is no need to focus or give full attention.
- Example: Writing the first draft of a simple report, creating a short presentation for a non-critical audience, or tidying up notes that are already quite structured.
4. Lack of Focus and Attention
- Description: Easy tasks often do not require much attention or focus. Our minds tend to be easily distracted by other things that are more interesting or challenging.
- Impact: This lack of focus causes procrastination because we prefer to do other activities that are more entertaining or attention-grabbing, such as social media, chatting with friends, or browsing the internet.
- Example: Reading light articles, watching short videos, or playing simple games when we should be working on the task.
5. False Sense of Security
- Description: There is a feeling that the task can be completed easily at any time, so there is no urgency to do it immediately. We might think, "Ah, this is easy, I'll do it later."
- Impact: This false sense of security postpones the completion of the task until close to the deadline or even missed. We may underestimate the time actually needed to complete the task.
- Example: Filling out online surveys, updating contact information, or sending simple documents.
6. Avoidance of Negative Feelings
- Description: Procrastination is often a way to avoid negative feelings such as stress, anxiety, or discomfort. Even though the task is easy, starting or completing it may still feel unpleasant.
- Impact: We postpone the task to avoid these uncomfortable feelings, even though we rationally know that the task is easy and should not cause stress.
- Example: Replying to emails from less-liked colleagues, completing boring reports, or performing monotonous administrative tasks.
7. Relationship to More Difficult Tasks
- Description: Sometimes, procrastination on easy tasks is a form of escape from other tasks that are more difficult or unpleasant. We may postpone easy tasks as a way to avoid or delay more challenging work.
- Impact: This is a more complex form of procrastination, where we use easy tasks as an excuse not to do more important or challenging tasks.
- Example: Cleaning the house when we should be preparing an important presentation, or organizing files on the computer when we should be writing a large report.
8. Motivation and Expectancy Theory
- Description: Motivation and expectancy theory (Expectancy Theory) states that a person's motivation is influenced by their beliefs about their ability to succeed, the value they place on the outcome, and the belief that their efforts will produce the desired results.
- Impact: If we feel the task is too easy, we may doubt the value of the outcome or feel that the effort required is too little, so our motivation decreases and we postpone the task.
Strategies to Overcome Procrastination on Easy Tasks
To overcome procrastination on easy tasks, here are some strategies you can try:
1. Break Down the Task: Even though the task is already easy, breaking it down into smaller steps can make it feel more manageable and less boring.
2. Reward Yourself: After completing the task, give yourself a small reward as motivation. This could be a cup of coffee, a short break, or another enjoyable activity.
3. Set Deadlines: Set clear deadlines to create a sense of urgency. Use a calendar or reminder app to help you stay on track.
4. Seek Variety: If possible, find ways to make the task more interesting or challenging. For example, try doing the task in a different way, use new tools, or work on the task with a friend.
5. Focus on Benefits: Remind yourself of the benefits of completing the task, even if the task seems unimportant. Think about how the task contributes to a larger goal or how completing it will reduce your stress.
6. Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused time intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This technique can help you stay focused and motivated.
7. Eliminate Distractions: Create a work environment free from distractions. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer, and let others know that you are focused on working on the task.
8. Seek Support: If you are having trouble overcoming procrastination, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals. Sometimes, talking to someone about your problems can help you find solutions.
By understanding the reasons behind procrastination on easy tasks and implementing the right strategies, you can increase productivity and reduce the tendency to procrastinate. Remember that overcoming procrastination is an ongoing process, and it is important to be patient and consistent in applying the strategies you choose."