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Writer's pictureLee Furley

Why Do We Procrastinate?

Updated: Feb 28, 2023


Procrastination is a common problem that affects many of us at some point in our lives. Whether it's putting off work, avoiding important tasks, or simply wasting time on activities that don't matter, procrastination can have a major impact on our happiness and success.



But why do we do it?


In this blog, we'll explore the reasons behind procrastination.


  1. Fear of Failure: Fear of failure is a common cause of procrastination. We may avoid starting a task because we're afraid of failing or not doing it perfectly. Our inner critic tells us that we're not good enough, and we're paralysed by the fear of making a mistake. This can lead to procrastination and missed opportunities.

  2. Boredom: Sometimes the task at hand just isn't that interesting, and our mind starts to wander. Procrastination can become a way to avoid boredom and escape the monotony of the task. This can be particularly true for tasks that are repetitive or require a lot of focus and attention.

  3. Overwhelm: When we have too much on our plate, it can feel overwhelming, and our brains go into survival mode. We put off tasks because they seem too big and daunting, and we don't know where to start. This can lead to a cycle of procrastination, where we keep putting off tasks until they pile up and become even more overwhelming.

  4. Perfectionism: Perfectionists have high standards and are often driven by the desire to do things perfectly. However, this can lead to procrastination as they spend too much time revising their work, never feeling like it's good enough to be completed. Perfectionists often struggle with the idea that they must do something perfectly or not at all, which can lead to a fear of making mistakes and a reluctance to start.

  5. Lack of Motivation: Sometimes we just don't feel like doing something, and procrastination is a way to avoid it. When we're not motivated, it's hard to get started, and we may find ourselves making excuses for not completing a task. This can be due to a lack of interest in the task, feeling burned out, or simply feeling too tired to tackle it.


The bottom line is that procrastination can have serious consequences, both for our personal and professional lives. It's important to understand why we do it and to find ways to overcome it. By exploring the reasons behind our procrastination, we can find practical solutions to help us break the cycle and get things done.


Whether it's through adopting new habits, setting achievable goals, or seeking support from others, there are many ways to turn the tide on procrastination and start living the life we truly want.



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