Procrastination

by Flinkliv · Updated January. 12, 2025

Conversation about procrastination
Conversation between A and B about procrastination. A: I procrastinate because I am lazy. B: Procrastination is not laziness.


  1. What is procrastination?
  2. Why do you need to fight procrastination?
  3. Examples of procrastination


What is procrastination?

Procrastination is delaying or postponing tasks or activities, often despite knowing that doing so may have negative consequences.

Conversation about procrastination
Conversation between A and B about procrastination. B says: "How is the report going?" A says: "Not even started." B responds: "This is procrastination. Procrastination is all about emotions. Procrastinators try to avoid negative emotions, or frustration, or fear." A says: "In my case, all three together."


Procrastination is characterized by putting off what needs to be done in favor of other, less important, or less urgent activities. Various factors, such as fear of failure, lack of motivation, overwhelming feelings, or a desire for immediate pleasure or gratification, can drive this behavior. Procrastination can lead to increased stress and decreased productivity and can be a difficult habit to break. However, it is possible to overcome and manage procrastination with the right strategies and support.

Why do you need to fight procrastination?

Fighting procrastination is important for achieving our goals, reaching our full potential, and leading a more fulfilling and productive life. Procrastination can seriously affect our lives, from decreased productivity and missed opportunities to increased stress and reduced confidence. By putting things off until later, we create unnecessary stress and pressure for ourselves, often rushing to complete tasks at the last minute, leading to subpar results.


Examples of procrastination

Procrastination vs laziness

Procrastination and laziness are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different behaviors. Procrastination is the habit of delaying tasks or putting them off until later, often due to feelings of overwhelm or fear of failure. Laziness, on the other hand, is a lack of motivation or effort to do anything at all, not just specific tasks. While both can lead to decreased productivity, the root causes and solutions are different. To overcome procrastination, it may involve setting goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, or seeking support from others. For laziness, it may require finding inspiration and setting meaningful objectives, or finding ways to make tasks more enjoyable.

Conversation about procrastination vs laziness
Conversation between A and B about procrastination vs laziness. A says: "I procrastinate because I am lazy." B responds: "Procrastination is not laziness."


ADHD paralysis

ADHD paralysis, or executive dysfunction, is when someone struggles to start, finish, or continue tasks because of intense anxiety, stress, or tiredness.

Conversation about ADHD paralysis
Conversation between A and B about ADHD paralysis. A says: "I can't start, finish, or keep up with tasks." B responds: "This is ADHD paralysis. Try breaking tasks into smaller steps, prioritize tasks, and limit distractions."


ADHD and tasks

Always practice self-care. It's ok to have ADHD; just find a way to improve yourself.

Conversation about ADHD and tasks
Conversation between A and B about ADHD and tasks. A says: "And there I forgot the laundry... again. My ADHD clearly has a thing for clean clothes." B responds: "Relax, it's all right. Today is another day to do everything tomorrow."


Fight procrastination

Sometimes, a "Just Start" is a simple way to help overcome procrastination

Conversation about fighting procrastination
Conversation between A and B about fighting procrastination. A says: "I am still procrastinating." B responds: "Just start small."


Project effort overestimation

We often think projects will be more demanding than they are because we overestimate the complexity and underestimate our efficiency. This can be due to a lack of experience, fear of the unknown, or simply the human tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios.

Conversation about project effort overestimation
Conversation between A and B about project effort overestimation. A says: "This project is gonna suck up all my energy." B responds: "You'd be surprised how easy most projects are."


Fight anxiety

When you're stuck in one place, anxiety turns into a heavyweight champion, knocking you out with worries and overthinking. So, the key is to break free from the motionless trap. Don't let your mind become a playground for anxiety. Instead, kick into action, think less, and do more.

Conversation about fighting anxiety
Conversation between A and B about fighting anxiety. A says: "This task gives me anxiety, and I haven't even started." B responds: "Anxiety is 10x worse when you do nothing, so think less & do more."


Benefit of procrastination

You know, procrastination isn't all bad; it actually has some benefits

  • Enhanced creativity
  • Prioritization
  • Stress relief
  • Improved decision-making
  • Adaptation
  • Productive breaks
  • Last-minute motivation
  • Better timing
Conversation about the benefits of procrastination
Conversation between A and B about the benefits of procrastination. A says: "I hate procrastinating." B responds: "Well, sometimes procrastination is just your brain's way of dodging the boring stuff that wasn't worth doing anyway."


You know, procrastination isn't all bad

Parkinson's Law

We tend to focus on the available time to finish the task rather than what we truly need. That leads to inefficiency and wasted time. Be sure to set the right deadlines to complete a task.

Conversation about Parkinson's Law
Conversation between A and B about Parkinson's Law. A says: "I like chill deadlines." B responds: "Set the right deadlines, or tasks will stretch."







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