I am a master of procrastination. It is one of a few things I do really well. Is procrastination just laziness or is there more to it?
Much of it is rooted in fear - fear of the unknown, fear of failure... fear of what others will think, judge or criticize. The future is unknown. What the next moment brings cannot always be accurately predicted. How is it possible to fear something that is unknown, that does not even exist?
The experience of failure plays a role. Somewhere in the distant past our ancestors failed in many spectacular ways to leave us with communal knowledge of dangers to our biological existence. I could apply the scientific method to approaching the future and move in a logical progression but that sounds tedious and uninspiring. Acceptance of inevitable failure is the only way to move forward in satisfying my creative desires.
It is difficult to let go of the judgement and criticism of others. Some never do. A child raised in a harshly critical environment may never break free of the invisible chains that tie them to their past and prevents them from experiencing the full potential of their future. It is difficult to consider the words and actions of others within the broader context of the situation, free of emotional interference. It's that last part that's so difficult.
Fear itself is just an emotion. An important emotion that is grounded in the notion of keeping us safe from harm. We fear dangerous situations and thus avoid them. But where is the danger in fear that prevents me from moving forward, the fear that fuels procrastination?
It is grounded in my own emotional reaction. I can focus my awareness on the fear that stands in my way, just experience it and get to know it better. Understanding the root of my fears will unveil the pathway to what lies beyond.