治療拖延症最好的辦法是拖延

Since God knows when, procrastination has been classified as a syndrome and we are supposed to treat it, as if treating an illness such as flu or diabetes. Suddenly, a layer of anxiety is added to the original non-issue, making it even more bothering.

Nevertheless, the best solution to procrastination is procrastination. Suppose we know there are a few things we need to do but have no time yet, or don't yet want to. This is fine. Keep delaying them until one day we feel the desire to do them, or simply when it is so impending that we must do them. In either case, doing them is a natural decision and draws no extra energy of ours. Meanwhile, the obligation of having to do them is relieved, replaced by the privilege that we don't have to do them, but if we happen to want to them any time, that's an extra achievement and a pleasant reward. From "obligation" to "reward" is a paradigm shift, a new framework of thinking. Instead of pushing us toward obligations, it is better to attract us with rewards.

The notion may sound scary initially, because it is in conflict with the conventional culture that advocates self-discipline, motivation, etc. But it aligns with nature, because after all, life is not about finishing obligations after obligations, but about a journey with rewarding experiences. By converting obligations to rewards, we follow human nature.

From now on, tell yourself that you have no any obligations pending, but if you want to do something to make life more fun, more rewarding or more challenging, that is perfectly OK too.

Life is a journey. Enjoy it at your own pace when possible.