On Procrastination and Estate Planning

Many people tell me that they know estate planning is the right thing to do for themselves and their loved ones, but still they procrastinate – for months, years, or even decades. It’s curious: why do we avoid doing something we know we should do?

Procrastination is not a matter of poor time management, but rather, a matter of regulating our emotions, says Dr. Tim Pychyl of the Procrastination Research Group and psychology professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario.[1]  In other words, we avoid certain tasks or activities in order to avoid the emotions and moods associated therewith.

This explanation seems particularly relevant in the estate planning context, since the planning process invites us to think through important and weighty matters, including values and legacy, life’s challenges, and decisions surrounding end of life.  Though we know it’s important to address these matters, we don’t always feel like addressing them . . . so we delay.

Thankfully, there are ways that we can help ourselves to move beyond procrastination.  Here are five tips:

1.       Exercise self-compassion; don’t judge yourself for procrastinating (the self-judgment probably won’t help) [2];

2.       Focus only on the next step of the process (focusing on the entire process might seem overwhelming)[3];

3.       Take action; according to Dr. Pychyl: “Motivation follows action. Get started, and you’ll find your motivation follows” [4];

4.  Create a checklist for the process, and cross-off each item as you complete it [5]; and     

5. When tempted to procrastinate, remind yourself of the prize at the end of the process – the reason you are taking the steps you are taking.

Have you been putting off your estate plan?  Remember that “[m]otivation follows action.”  Let your first act be a call to Van Slett Law, LLC (262-888-7878) to schedule your complimentary consultation.  In the end, you’ll be glad you did.

[1] Lieberman, Charlotte. Why You Procrastinate (It Has Nothing to Do With Self-Control).  New York Times, March 25, 2019.  https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/smarter-living/why-you-procrastinate-it-has-nothing-to-do-with-self-control.html

[2] Id.

[3] Id.

[4] Id.

[5] The author’s wife.