chapter 1 Flashcards
The Problem
What is the primary reason for missing deadlines?
Not starting the task due to a lack of motivation.
What does time management help with?
Using your time more efficiently.
What is a key feature of procrastination?
Lacking the motivation to begin a task.
What are the roots of the word “procrastination”?
Latin for “to delay until tomorrow” and Greek for “to do something counter to good judgment.”
Why won’t time management alone help with starting tasks?
Because it doesn’t address the motivation, an emotion-management issue.
What often happens once motivation is found?
You can finish tasks much quicker than anticipated.
What realization might occur after completing a delayed project?
Wondering why it was put off for so long, as it was finished faster than expected.
Does engaging in thought processes count as procrastination?
It’s arguable; reflecting can lead to beneficial outcomes despite a delayed start
What positive result can come from taking time to reflect?
Highly beneficial outcomes.
How should taking time to reflect be viewed in relation to procrastination?
It should not be mistaken for procrastination, which involves deliberate avoidance.
What misconception do many have about procrastination?
It’s often viewed as synonymous with laziness.
How do labels like “unreliable” affect self-assessment in procrastination?
Individuals can see themselves as incompetent, impacting self-esteem.
What is procrastination often a strategy for coping with?
Negative emotions, such as fear of failure and anxiety.
What causes anxiety related to procrastination?
Worry about lacking skills, fear of failure, and concern about being seen as unreliable.
What happens when tasks are routinely delayed?
It can become a habit, leading to the procrastination of even simple tasks.
What is the effect of moving a task to the back burner?
The task may be out of sight, but it’s still on your mind, increasing anxiety.
How do constant reminders of unfinished tasks impact you?
They trigger anxiety about consequences and can lead to feelings of rushing or producing inferior work.
What irony exists in the relationship between stress and procrastination?
Trying to escape stress through procrastination often creates more stress and reduces motivation to start.
How is willpower similar to a muscle?
It can wear down and tire after excessive use, and is not a skill that can be finely honed on demand.
What happens to willpower after achieving a challenging goal?
The more motivation required to achieve a goal, the less willpower is available afterward.
What is the “plateau” in context of motivation?
It’s the interval before gaining enough motivation to continue after a task.
How is the length of the plateau related to effort?
The length of the plateau is proportional to the amount of effort required to achieve the goal.
What should you avoid when dealing with complex projects?
Don’t attempt to start a lengthy project soon after or while engaged in another complex task.
What are some examples of motivation-draining projects?
Planning a dinner party, recovering from a long illness, making wedding preparations.
How do emotions play a role in pursuing goals?
Events that slow progress can cause anger, while opportunities that speed up progress can bring joy.
Why is managing emotions important for overcoming procrastination?
Emotions drive behavior; successfully managing them helps in achieving goals.
What is necessary for successful management of emotions?
Understanding what emotions are, where they come from, and their effects on behavior.
What is procrastination?
Delaying the start of an undertaking.
What type of problem is failing to finish a task?
An emotion-management problem, not a time-management problem.
How is motivation similar to a muscle?
It needs time to recover after being used
What should not be confused with procrastination?
Taking time to reflect and plan.
How can personal life demands affect work motivation?
A demanding task in your personal life can temporarily lower motivation for work projects.
What is important to maintain when managing motivation?
Balance the expenditure of motivation with an interval of recovery.
