the real reason infps struggle with procrastination
189Procrastination.
We've all faced it, and if you're an INFP like me, you're probably no stranger to it. The world tells us to dive into productivity apps or create better schedules, but that's not tackling the core of our struggle. No, the root is deeper, woven into the fabric of our very personality.
In my journey, and through helping countless others, I've found that our procrastination isn't born from laziness. It's our cognitive functions, our inherent preferences, like characters in a questing party, that set the scene. Join me in uncovering why we really procrastinate and discover what truly fuels our motivation.
The INFP Motivation Loop
For us INFPs, the motivational game is different. While many people can glance at objectives or metrics and just get things done, we can't. We need emotional investment; we're driven by what resonates with us on a personal level. Our dominant function, introverted feeling, or what I like to call the "soul," guides us based on our inner values. This isn't the conventional way of motivation built around external goals. We need a values-driven focus, and traditional tactics often miss this crucial point.
Emotions: The Sparking Flame
Our emotions can either propel us or drag us down. We've spent so much time within our emotions that sometimes we let them control the narrative. It's about choosing the emotional state that aligns with our goals. I know it sounds a bit disingenuous to decide, "Today, I'll be motivated," but it's about intention. I'm 40 and have learned that intentionally choosing the life and emotions I want leads to a more joyful existence. It’s not about needing to feel depressed to tap into creativity. It's about finding the emotional state that best serves your purpose.
Overcoming Procrastination with Emotion
The key is to wield our emotions more effectively. Imagine your future, look back, and evaluate—are you happy with the path traveled? Living in alignment with your purpose is essential. Regret is a powerful motivator for me. Looking back and realizing I haven't done what I could have is a wake-up call. Procrastination only thrives when we're not motivated enough. Not finding emotional connection with important tasks means avoiding regret and finding that internal spark that moves us forward.
If you're passionate about something, surely, you'd do it. Admittedly, mundane tasks like writing an essay or math homework are universally daunting. But when it comes to life’s major chapters, courage beats procrastination by finding emotional resonance. Combined with task breakdown and strategic foresight, the motivation becomes unstoppable. For me, those ten years lost to inaction taught me to value every learning experience, even the time spent gaming—I'm still grateful for the metaphors they provided.
Approaches and Tips for Taking Action
So, where to start? Write a letter from your future self to your present self. If you don't like what you're reading, it's time for action. Use the emotion wisely, not as a source of overwhelm. Break tasks into easily digestible steps—so simple even a seven-year-old could tackle them. When you fuse emotions with your strategy, your extraverted thinking, that organizing and scheduling function, shines.
Align your actions with your natural strengths and motivations. Show up in the world as the person you aspire to be. In a nutshell, the key to overcoming procrastination isn’t to force productivity but to embrace our unique personality type and let our values lead the way.
00:00 Introduction: Common Misconceptions About INFP Procrastination
00:40 Understanding INFP Motivation
01:46 The Role of Emotions in INFP Productivity
03:02 Strategies to Overcome Procrastination
05:08 Reflecting on Past Experiences
06:20 Practical Tips for Immediate Action