Understanding Task Paralysis

Why do we find it challenging to engage with tasks we genuinely want to accomplish? What holds us back?

To be truthful, the 'you' in that question could easily be replaced with 'I'. Perhaps you are one of those organized individuals who never falls into the trap of procrastination. But me? Well, I often grapple with this. So, why is it so difficult for me to take action on things I actually desire to do? It's not that I'm avoiding tasks I dislike or fear—though I certainly do that as well.

Consider this scenario: I receive an email in the afternoon offering a commission. Fantastic! I'm thrilled. Let's say it's 2 PM, and I have ample time to respond and strategize. Yet, I catch myself thinking, "I’ll tackle that first thing tomorrow morning." It's as if I have an aversion to initiating new tasks in the afternoon. I feel compelled to start fresh projects only in the morning. It defies logic!

Alternatively, imagine I have a writing assignment due next week. The deadline looms in my thoughts, and I’m eager to complete it. Instead of diving in early, I convince myself to wait until the day before. Often, it’s not that I’m overwhelmed with responsibilities. I might delay tasks and then find myself bored, eagerly anticipating the next morning when I can finally make progress.

This seems to be an ADHD-related issue, right? The need for urgency to spur action. Procrastination may stem from a lack of dopamine by 2 PM, rendering me inactive.

As much as I value my freedom, I’m not the best self-manager. I let myself procrastinate and then criticize myself for allowing tasks to accumulate. Sticking to a routine is a challenge for me (though to be fair, my frequent relocations contribute) and I’m easily sidetracked by enticing new ideas and projects.

This situation wouldn’t be as problematic if I were financially secure or had someone else managing my life. A significant part of the challenge may lie in feeling overwhelmed—knowing the responsibility rests solely on my shoulders. When it becomes too burdensome, I often find myself shutting down.

At times, the sheer volume of tasks can leave me feeling almost immobilized. I can’t tackle even the smallest responsibilities. Instead, I might endlessly scroll through my phone or obsess over a single issue while allowing other tasks to pile up.

I often criticize my past self for neglecting responsibilities, which only adds to my frustration.

What’s the solution? Medication? A job? Marriage? For now, I am choosing to accept my current state. I’m attempting to alleviate stress by refraining from self-criticism and worrying about my shortcomings. I focus on what I can accomplish.

If I manage to complete a minor task—fantastic! If not, perhaps I can engage in something beneficial, like walking my dogs, tidying the kitchen, or organizing my wardrobe. Even if it’s not on my priority list, taking action—like alphabetizing my spice rack—prevents me from staring blankly at a wall or mindlessly scrolling my phone.

Speaking of my phone, I’m working on making it as uninteresting as possible by removing distracting apps to avoid scrolling paralysis.

Perhaps in time, I will discover more effective methods for getting things done. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them!

The first video discusses strategies for tackling tasks we find unappealing, offering insights on how to motivate ourselves to act.

The second video explores the reasons behind our struggles to engage with tasks, providing a deeper understanding of the psychology of procrastination.