Why Introverts Procrastinate (and how to beat it)

If you thought procrastination is something we all just do, this letter may change your whole perspective.

First, let’s dive into an introvert’s mind and understand how they think about things.

Introverts just don’t do things, they think for days, sometimes even weeks. They analyse things from all perspectives. They research with 11 open chrome tabs. They dig into all possible rabbit holes before they make the final decisions.

In short, they like to take their time.

Is this normal? Absolutely. We all do it on some level.

But sometimes, this over-analysing can hold you back from taking action. Because your mind wants to find the best way to do it.

And it keeps us stuck in the thinking mode.

So how do we fix this?

The answer lies in the ‘WHY’.

Why do you do it?

This simple meme below explains a lot.

I’m sure you’ve been there. The context may have been different. But you know what it means.

Introverts' minds have a tendency to go really deep into things. They want to be sure they’re not wasting their time and energy. Because they’re all or nothing kinda people. There’s no in-between.

So it’s natural to try all possible things before you zero in on ‘One Thing’.

It could be your choice of work. A morning routine. Even small things like choosing a brand of coffee.

I’m from a generation where our options were limited. But the time we’re in, your options are limitless.

I’m not immune to this. It takes me forever to decide even the smallest of things like what movie to watch. Or choosing a topic for this newsletter.

This is one of the reasons why zeroing in on things takes forever.

You want to learn meditation. But from where? From whom? App or a guru?

You want to start your business. How? What?

You want to start a diet. Should you listen to a doctor with 1200 followers or the YouTube influencer with 4 million followers?

And you always end up confused, overwhelmed, and unable to take action.

Is there a way to get out of this? YES.

Noise vs. Signal

Signal to noise ratio is a term originally used by engineers. For example, you know those old TV sets with an antenna.

If you owned one of these back in the day, you had to adjust the antenna so that you would get more signal and less background noise.

The signal is the meaningful information that you’re actually trying to detect, like the TV show you want to watch.

The noise is the random unwanted stuff, like TV static.

So, let’s now understand how we can apply this to choosing the best option quickly so that you can jump into action.

The modern world had endless information and immediate gratification. This has amplified our internal "noise."

Every decision, no matter how small, is presented with a hundreds of options. And makes it even harder is that each one promising to be the best one.

And for introverts, this can become paralyzing.

Think about it: you want to improve your health. Instantly, your brain is bombarded. Keto, paleo, vegan, intermittent fasting? CrossFit, yoga, weightlifting, running? Personal trainer, online course, YouTube videos, fitness app?

What was once a simple desire to "get healthier" becomes an exhaustive research project where the fear of making the "wrong" choice outweighs the motivation to make any choice.

This isn't procrastination like you’re just putting something off because you don't feel like doing it. This is a form of analysis paralysis, a deep-seated need to optimize and perfect before even beginning.

So, how do we distinguish the signal from the noise in our decision-making process?

The key lies in shifting our focus from external validation to internal alignment.

Here’s How:

1. Define Your Core Signal: Your "Why"

Before you even begin to explore options, reconnect with your fundamental "why."

Why do you want to learn meditation? Is it to reduce stress, improve focus, or cultivate inner peace?

Why do you want to start a business? Is it for financial independence, to solve a problem you care about, or to express your creativity?

Your "why" is your clear signal. Without it, all the information you gather will just be static, leading you nowhere.

Write down your "why" in one clear, concise sentence. This will be your compass. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by choices, refer back to it.

And ask yourself: Does this option align with my core "why"? If not, it's probably noise.

2. Limit Your Inputs

The internet is an ocean of information and a massive source of noise.

When you're making a decision, set a clear boundary for how much information you will consume and from how many sources.

For example:

Instead of endless Browse, dedicate a specific amount of time to research – say, 30 minutes to an hour. When the timer goes off, stop.

Instead of 11 open Chrome tabs, aim for 2-3 credible sources. Like, if you're researching a diet, consult a reputable health organization, a well-regarded nutritionist's website, and well reviewed article.

And above all, beware of "Success Porn".

Social media is filled with curated success stories that can make you feel you’re not good enough.

And too much exposure to these “success stories” can become noise. Draining you and distracting you from your own unique path and "why."

3. Embrace "Good Enough"

The introvert's desire for the "best" stems from a fear of making a mistake.

Instead of aiming for the perfect first step, aim for a first “good enough” step.

Like, what is the absolute smallest action you can take right now? If you want to learn meditation, instead of researching every guru and every apps, just download one popular meditation app and commit to 5 minutes a day for a week.

The goal isn't to become a meditation master overnight, but to start.

Treat your first choices as pilot projects. Like if you're starting a business, instead of building out a full-blown e-commerce store, start with a simple landing page and test market interest. The idea is to get feedback quickly and iterate. And build on what works.

The most valuable insights come from direct experience. Do it. Even if it’s imperfect. Experience is the greatest teacher.

4. Trust Your Intuition: The Inner Signal

After you've gathered all the information and filtered out the noise, sometimes the best course of action is simply the one that feels right.

Your subconscious mind processes information in ways your conscious mind cannot even comprehend.

Journaling can help. Writing down your thoughts and feelings about different options can help you access your intuition. See which option resonates most strongly with you on a deeper level.

And then, step away for a while. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do something unrelated. When you return, a solution will present itself.

Conclusion

Dear introvert, your tendency to over-analyze is not a flaw, but a strength when channeled correctly.

It’s thoughtfulness. It’s wisdom. It’s your superpower. But in this age of endless choices, it can stop you from taking action to progress.

By consciously defining your "why," limiting information overload, embracing "good enough," and trusting your intuition you can transform paralysis into meaningful action.

Stop searching for the perfect signal in a sea of static, and start tuning into the clear, resonant frequency of your own purpose. If you need more help with expressing your true potential, this BOOK may help.

The show you want to watch is waiting…

Stay blessed,
Karun

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