What Is Procrastination?
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Why We Keep Putting Things Off — and What We Can Do About It
We all do it. The deadline creeps closer, the task stares back, and yet somehow — we’re scrolling, cleaning, or simply avoiding. Despite knowing it will lead to more stress later, procrastination still feels like the easier option in the moment.
But procrastination isn’t just laziness or bad time management. It’s often an emotional coping mechanism — a self-protective pattern that masks deeper discomfort, fear, or pressure.
What Exactly Is Procrastination?
Procrastination is the act of delaying a task even when we know the consequences will likely be negative. While it’s often seen as a lack of motivation, it’s more accurately a self-regulation issue — one tied to emotional avoidance and cognitive distortions.
It’s choosing short-term relief over long-term gain — and it’s more common than you think.
How Common Is It?
75% of students say they procrastinate regularly
Nearly all adults admit to doing it at least occasionally
Chronic procrastination can affect professional, academic, and personal well-being
It’s not about being lazy — it’s about feeling stuck.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
😴 We Wait for the "Right" Mood
We assume we’ll be more motivated later — but that time rarely comes. Action actually creates motivation, not the other way around.
🎁 Present Bias
The immediate reward of rest or distraction feels better than the long-term payoff of completing a task — even if that task is important.
😞 Emotional Discomfort
Fear of failure, perfectionism, or self-doubt can lead us to delay starting something that feels overwhelming or uncertain.
Mental Health & Procrastination
✨ Depression
Lack of energy, low self-worth, or hopelessness makes it hard to begin. Even small tasks feel monumental.
✨ ADHD
Distractions, task initiation struggles, and time blindness all feed into procrastination.
✨ OCD
Perfectionism, indecision, and fear of mistakes can paralyse action.
Procrastination itself is not a mental illness, but it can be a symptom of deeper mental health challenges.
Types of Procrastinators
Perfectionist – Delays out of fear it won’t be perfect
Dreamer – Avoids detail and follow-through
Crisis-Maker – Needs pressure to feel motivated
Defier – Resents being told what to do
Overdoer – Says yes to everything, starts nothing
Passive Procrastinator – Struggles to act due to indecision
Active Procrastinator – Chooses delay to feel challenged
Procrastinators vs. Non-Procrastinators
Non-procrastinators tend to:
Focus more on tasks than appearances
Score higher on conscientiousness
Use internal accountability over external pressure
They don’t rely on the “perfect” time — they create structure and take small actions.
The Real-Life Costs
When procrastination becomes chronic, it can affect every area of life:
📉 Work performance and income
💔 Relationships and trust
💰 Missed deadlines and financial consequences
😟 Increased stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem
How to Stop Procrastinating
✅ Make a To-Do List
Include deadlines and break tasks into small, actionable steps.
✅ Eliminate Distractions
Log out of social media. Create a clean, focused space.
✅ Just Start Small
Commit to just 5 minutes — momentum will often follow.
✅ Recognise Your Excuses
“I’m not in the mood” or “I’ll do it later” are warning signs.
✅ Celebrate Progress
Reward yourself when you complete a task — big or small.
Final Thought
You’re not broken — you’re overwhelmed. And you’re not alone.
Procrastination is often a signal that something deeper needs attention. By learning how to manage emotional discomfort, adjust expectations, and support your mental health, you can break the cycle.
Counselling can help you explore these patterns with compassion — and support you in building a life where things feel less heavy, and more doable.
Wise Psychic Counselling
Wise Psychic Counselling is a holistic counselling practice that blends psychological understanding with intuitive insight. Our mission is to help individuals break through mental and emotional barriers with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, procrastination, trauma, or periods of uncertainty, our team of qualified counsellors offers personalised support rooted in evidence-based therapy and soul-centred care.
We believe real healing happens when you’re heard, held, and empowered to move forward — at your own pace. Through sessions that honour both your mind and your deeper self, we guide you toward emotional balance, self-trust, and sustainable change.
Ready to take the next step? Book a session today and begin reconnecting with the calm, confident, and capable version of yourself.