By: Marcelo Bulk
Source: The Daily Guardian 
Dated: April 26th, 2025

Whether we like to think so, or not, all of us procrastinate to one degree or another. There are reasons why we do that, and there are certainly reasons why we should not. Sometimes we are faced with a task that we simply cannot do; we do not have enough information, know-how, or ability.  These tasks we can put off for a very long time, until we can find what we need to complete them. Then there are the tasks we actually do not like doing; difficult conversations, mundane, mindless tasks, things we find complicated that require our full attention. Many of these tasks do really need doing, as they keep the wheels of our lives running smoothly, but we procrastinate because they are not what we really want to do. But when it comes to delaying our own growth, physically, mentally, or spiritually, then procrastination is quite a risky mindset to have.

In times gone by, multitasking was not a ‘thing’. There was time for everything, people were patient, and unless the individual was simply lazy, things got done and life ran smoothly. In our modern times, not only do we seem to have a multitude of things to do, but deadlines seem to bunch up together and prioritising becomes extremely complicated. The most extreme hindrance to getting things done though, is distraction. The devices we have, provide instant gratification, instant diversion away from the tasks that are beyond us and those that we do not want to do at all. Attempts at multitasking leave us drained and anxious; much easier to distract ourselves and let the time pass by. The world seems overwhelmed with information, deadlines, worrying situations, fearful possibilities. No wonder we procrastinate.

There are three tips that may help:

1. Create a proper schedule. This clarifies a timeline. It requires discipline, but the main idea is to highlight what is most important. Those are the things we have to deal with.
2. Prioritise. This gives us the sense of mastery over the self and the best way to prioritise is to generate a set of criteria (for instance, impact, easiness, family, etc.); then we can classify each task according to the criteria by giving a number, and their sum will set the priority number. If the list does not get completed by the end of the day, then ‘reschedule’ - that is not procrastination, just a logical and gentle postponement. By doing this, a sub-product will be a commitment, which will reduce the risk of procrastination.
3. Elevate the understanding and perception of what needs to be done. When we do not understand the significance of doing something, then we will procrastinate. If we create a list of what we are putting off and honestly ask ourselves why it is important and what it is that is stopping us moving forward, we will realise the importance of completing that task to our lives. We will no longer procrastinate.

These tips will help, but as it is possible to delay taking action on them, it is fundamental to know that there are two reasons why procrastination is more than just unhelpful in life. The first is that things simply do not get done, but the second reason is more insidious; when we procrastinate on things that are deeply important, then it weighs heavily on us. We know what needs to be done but we procrastinate because it will take courage. Spirituality is one aspect of life that cannot be ignored for long, because if we do, the damage to us is deep. We have already lived many hours of our allotted lifespan of this birth, so how many hours are left? Living a life of spirituality requires courage – we must find it. When we learn how to meditate and be fully honest with the self, we will not only find help with our courageous step forward, we will also find the power to do what is needed.

Marcelo Bulk a Brazilian coach and business consultant,
is the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris’ services in Colombia.