We’ve all been there. A big task is looming over our heads, but we choose to put it off for another day.
Procrastination is so common that researchers have spent years trying to understand what drives some people to chronically postpone important chores until the last possible moment. Now, researchers from the University of Tokyo have found a factor that may be the cause of procrastination: people’s view of the future.
People look at the world in two different ways, either optimistically or pessimistically.
Optimistic: Believing that stress does not increase in the future.
Pessimistic: Believing that stress will increase in the future.
Those with a pessimistic view could increase the likelihood of falling into a pattern of severe procrastination, whereas those with an optimistic view wards off the urge to procrastinate.
It seems pretty logical to me. If you believe that the future is going to bring you stress, you will put that off as long as possible. But, if you believe that the future will bring less stress, then bring it on!
One of the researchers said that this new information lead her to adopt a more light-hearted perspective on the future and did reduce her urge to procrastinate.
Whatever side you naturally fall on, optimism or pessimism, this research is your encouragement to adopt a light-hearted perspective when you can!
