Procrastination, distraction: Frenemies of boredom

Nowadays, boredom has become a very common notion used to describe our frequent dilemma. We easily use boredom as an excuse to procrastinate, deprioritise our responsibilities, and avoid our work. Is boredom more of a coping mechanism? Are we acquiring this coping mechanism due to a lack of curiosity? The answer is likely yes. Boredom often represents our comfort zone, and while seeking comfort is natural, boredom has two negative companions: procrastination and distractions. Procrastination refers to delaying tasks until the last minute when their essence and excitement have faded away. Distractions, on the other hand, are the ways we divert our attention from our work. However, distractions can have a positive side as they can be utilised as breaks to avoid overwork, stress, and subconscious fear and doubt. It is important to understand that both procrastination and distractions are closely related. We may procrastinate due to distractions or find ways to distract ourselves by avoiding work.

But why do we lose interest in things so quickly? This question brings us back to a lack of curiosity and the inner drive to do something. It is the light that ignited within us when we first started. Procrastination has various causes, such as overthinking, analysing, lack of inspiration or motivation, unsuitable work environments, and a lack of guidance. All of these factors contribute to our work losing its uniqueness and becoming a poorly organised and executed task. The word “task” itself seems to have a negative effect on us.

Imagine an incomplete poem that you stopped writing because you couldn’t find better lines, an unfinished painting you abandoned because it didn’t match the picture in your mind, or a mundane story left in the middle because you believed it required too much effort. These things are waiting for your sincere attention and consideration. Perhaps, taking one step back means taking one step closer to mediocrity, and we don’t want that to happen.

This is similar to a plant that dies either because it was never watered or because it was watered all at once instead of gradually over time. To defeat the frenemies of boredom, we need to make an inward choice. We must consider everything we do as a responsibility and an inward choice rather than allowing it to become a mere formality.