Study tracks nation’s growing procrastination problem
By Melissa Borgerding
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
America is at risk of a procrastination epidemic, a new study shows. In 1978, just 5% of Americans thought of themselves as chronic procrastinators. Today, that number has leapt to 26%, according to the study published in the American Psychological Association’s Psychological Bulletin.
As the rate of procrastination rises, researchers warn of serious consequences to Americans’ health, emotional well-being, and wallets.
I’ll do it tomorrow
Procrastination is often mistaken for laziness when, in fact, most procrastinators work hard to complete a task—they just do it at the last minute. Author of the study and self-described procrastinator, Dr. Piers Steel of the University of Calgary, believes that confidence, not laziness, plays a large role. “Essentially, procrastinators have less confidence in themselves and less expectancy to actually complete a task.”
Disorganization may also be a key cause. Someone who is easily distracted, forgetful, or who has difficulty prioritizing tasks is more likely to procrastinate than an organized person. Most often, procrastination is simply a way to avoid an unpleasant or difficult task, like mowing the lawn, scheduling a doctor’s exam, or calling a plumber to fix your leaky faucet.
Too many distractions
Unfortunately, technology makes procrastination easier today than ever before. Video games, TV, iPods, e-mail, and the Internet provide an onslaught of distractions. In fact, Steel’s study suggests that the U.S. national gross product would rise $50 billion if the sound notifying office workers of new e-mails disappeared.
Older adults join the trend
Procrastination isn’t limited to office workers and college students cramming for exams. The trend is growing at an alarming rate among older adults. The number one task most older adults put off: planning for their retirement.