Lack of Motivation and
Procrastination
Wouldn’t it be nice if lack of motivation was the least of our
worries and we never had to worry about procrastination?
Chances are that even if you do have a “work first”
personality, there are times when you just don’t have it in you
to get the job done in time. There are many consequences you
may encounter as a result of your lack of motivation, but
thankfully there are several ways to combat it as well. First
it is important to know what the underlying causes are, and how
it may manifest in your life.
• Fear of Rejection. Writers especially often debate the
true cause of their lack of motivation as a fear of rejection
instead of a block of ideas. If we are afraid that we will get
turned down for what we do, we will tend to avoid doing it in
the first place. Of course, often these fears are unfounded,
and probably stem from a childhood event that has
subconsciously stuck with us in the form of lack of
motivation.
• Fear of Failure. The same holds true for failure as it
does for rejection. Often, we imagine that the outcome of our
endeavors will be a poor product that will reflect badly on our
good name. Our inborn nature is to avoid situations that will
be detrimental to us. It’s survival of the fittest.
Unfortunately, lack of motivation can cause serious problems
for us, and often causes us more problems than we were trying
to subconsciously avoid.
• Lack of Self Worth. If we feel we are not worthy of a
positive outcome, trying to reach our goals will become very
difficult. This is evident in those who are trying to lose
weight. The may have a believe that they do not deserve to be
thin, or deserve the attention and good things that may come as
a result of losing the weight.
So now that we know some of the causes of a lack of motivation,
it’s important to know what can happen as a result of
procrastination. In many instances, not getting our chores or
jobs done does not really have an effect on our lives. However,
there are many times when procrastinating or avoiding work can
cause terrible trouble with our relationships, finances, or
overall well-being. Although a lesser example, think back to
how much money you’ve lost over the years because of not
sending in rebates in time. A lack of motivation and tendency
to procrastinate is to blame. Other consequences of your lack
of motivation can include the following:
• Self Esteem. If we fail to live up to the demands
others make of us, or fail to follow through with projects we
agreed upon, we may begin to look down upon ourselves. We might
start unnecessary negative self-talk. “I can’t do it,” and “I’m
not a good person” may be thoughts that cross your mind when
your lack of motivation causes procrastination.
• Increased Stress. You may feel responsible for a
project if it doesn’t go well or is turned in late. Or, you may
avoid doing activities outside the home because you know there
is a project that just “has to get done.” This stress is
unnecessary and avoidable.
How do we conquer our lack of motivation? There are two things
that motivate the human body above all else. Fear of pain and
please are powerful motivators. Try this. Make a list of all
the things you fear will happen if you do not follow through on
your goals, and of all the pleasure you will miss out on. Are
you afraid of gaining weight back if you stop going to the gym?
Then, make a list of all the pain you will lose and pleasure
you will gain by following through. Perhaps you’ll avoid the
embarrassment of having to go up a clothing size and buy all
new clothes. Practice this exercise with all your goals and
you’ll soon see your lack of motivation
disappear.
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