Ive been researching the topic of procrastination, and Im finding that its making me more frustrated than ever.

For some reason, I see procrastinating, putting off the doing of something, as a symptom and not as a malady in its own right.

For example, lets say Im procrastinating about submitting a course proposal to a university. Most of the literature says my sloth reflects a personality flaw, a bad habit, or perhaps the fear of failure, or even the fear of success.

Possibly, but I think it may have something to do with the fact that in this sort of circumstance I havent made a real decision about doing the class. Yes, Ive developed the concept, planned it to an extent, done most of the marketing of it, but Im putting off the paperwork because Im ambivalent about it.

This ambivalence might be manifested in a different way. Lets say Im not certain I want to tether my future to that course, what I may do is price it at such a premium level as to force my sponsors to reject it if they are ambivalent, as well, thus confirming my suspicions that it may be a marginal concept.

If the outside world applauds my concept, I must be telling myself unconsciously, then it is meritorious, and worth a commitment on my part, but if it isnt acclaimed, Im better off doing something else that has more support.

All of this seems perfectly logical, and perhaps sensible. Why commit to actions for which there isnt solid support, or that dont portend profitability, right?

But the problem with this thinking is if youre really innovating, youll be out of step with your peers, youll be seeing something that they are blind to, and winning them over, at least right away is unrealistic. You may have to do a lot of lobbying, risk taking, and leading in order to drum up even a little initial support.

All you have to bolster you at that point is the strength of your decision, however you arrived at it.

Youve heard the expression that confidence sells, and its true, you need to manifest it if you hope to gain assistance, and you wont unless youre operating on a solid basis of belief in your own venture.

Procrastination is a tip-off that you dont fully support the task that youve set in front of yourself to do, that on some level you dont believe it is meritorious, or you suspect it is a waste of your time.

Until you go back and sell yourself on the value of accomplishing this task, youll spin your wheels, or seemingly idle away your time, or distract yourself with other things.