Procrastination Nation: Brits Spend Two Days a Month Avoiding Tasks
How often do you find yourself putting off those repetitive and tedious tasks that never seem appealing enough? If your answer is frequently, you’re not alone. According to a recent study, the average Brit spends more than two entire days a month indulging in procrastination, avoiding tasks ranging from life admin to sending back online purchases. According to Daily Express, these findings paint a vivid picture of our daily lives and priorities.
The Procrastination Phenomenon
A comprehensive survey reveals the prevalent nature of procrastination in British culture. The tediousness of certain activities is at the heart of this behavior, with chores like paying bills or engaging in DIY often postponed indefinitely. Indeed, 32% of participants admitted they would avoid tasks for several months if given a choice.
What’s Really Behind the Delay?
Psychologist Emma Kenny suggests that avoiding tasks is often more than mere laziness; it’s a coping mechanism for feeling overwhelmed. The key, she notes, is differentiating between productive delays and those that cause undue stress. Interestingly, 14% believe they’re more effective under tight deadlines, aligning their natural work rhythm with a pressured environment.
The Art of Procrastination
Brits are not just unknowingly procrastinating; many have turned it into a mindful art form. Over a quarter of respondents start tasks at a “nice round number,” such as 3 PM or 4 PM, utilizing the psychological comfort these numbers provide. A culture of anticipation is born, with some willingly choosing to delay for the thrill of last-minute success, particularly when planning holidays.
Tasks We Love to Delay
From cleaning to responding to emails, the list of tasks Brits commonly postpone is extensive. Other frequent delays include updating CVs and even going to sleep, as the warmth of a bed and the promise of rest remains just that – a promise.
Turning Procrastination into Opportunity
For many, procrastination isn’t just about delay but an opportunity for unexpected adventures. As quoted by Zoe Fidler from lastminute.com, “Some people even prefer it, finding that the pressure pushes them to achieve more exciting and spontaneous outcomes, like booking a last-minute holiday.”
A Passport to New Discoveries
Procrastination, when thoughtfully managed, can open doors to new experiences and ideas. Changing the narrative from “I haven’t done it” to “I’m about to strike a fantastic travel deal” encapsulates this mindset shift, making procrastination less of a vice and more of an unconventional virtue.
Embrace the delay and see where it takes you; the art of procrastination may lead you to opportunities you never imagined.
