What Is Procrastination Really And What Causes It? Is It Just Putting Things Off?

Procrastination is the thief of time, they say. We all do it! Some of us put off cleaning, some gardening, some tax records or paying bills. It's only the area of life that varies.
Laziness is part of the human condition and often a response to stress. The more difficult life gets, the more we put things off, the more we avoid the routine, the mundane and the tedious. Yet a lot of people find solace in doing mindless tasks. It's a form of distraction from emotional, psychological and social problems. Basically, it's best not to let anything pile up to where it becomes a far bigger problem.
When we get discouraged, tired and disappointed, it's hard to keep fronting up and putting ourselves on the line. No-one copes well with rejection. With a healthy self-esteem, it's just difficult to accept, without one, it's impossible. When we get criticism or a downright, `no, thanks,' it's a reality check. How real is the perceived slight and how much is it about something else? When we have that answer, we can decide whether we are barking up the wrong tree, using a faulty technique or simply the timing is out. Do we then drop this partcular project or hang in and keep trying? Either way, power lies in having the choice. If we give up because we want to, there's no shame or pain but if we allow outside pressure to make the decision for us, we will feel like cowards.
The answer is to do what we love with no guarantee of success. Then our motives are always pure and the taste of acceptance when it comes undiluted.