Procrastination is something everyone can relate to, whether it is putting off school assignments, or even postponing simple household chores. But have you ever wondered why we do it, especially when we know it is only adding to our stress in the long run?
Procrastination tends to follow a familiar cycle. First, we avoid the task because it feels too overwhelming or boring. Then, we get temporary relief by doing something else. But as the deadline gets closer, the anxiety builds, leading to last-minute scrambling and, inevitably, feelings of guilt. This cycle can be tough to break, especially for those who struggle with perfectionism or self-doubt.
So how do we stop procrastinating? One helpful approach is breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps. Often, the hardest part is just getting started. Tackling one small part of the task can make it feel less daunting. Another useful trick is the two-minute rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Small victories like this help build the encouragement.
It turns out, procrastination is more about emotions than time management. When we face a task that feels stressful or unpleasant, we often avoid it to avoid the negative feelings associated with it. Instead, we choose activities that give us quick satisfaction, like scrolling through social media or watching TV. While this provides temporary relief, it often ends up making us more stressed as deadlines approach.
What is really happening in our brains? Researchers suggest that procrastination happens because of a tug-of-war in our brains. On one side, we have the prefrontal cortex, which helps us make decisions and plan. On the other hand, the limbic system is all about seeking pleasure and instant rewards. When the limbic system takes the lead, we avoid the task, even though we know it will only cause more stress later.
Changing your mindset can also help. Rather than focusing on how unpleasant the task feels, think about how good it will feel to finish. Setting clear goals and creating a distraction-free environment also help keep up on track. Finally, being kind to yourself when you slip up is crucial. Procrastination often comes with a lot of guilt, but beating yourself up only makes things worse. Accepting that setbacks happen can help you stay focused and get back on track faster.
Stay focused and take control of your time. Especially if you are in high school and preparing to enter university soon. The time to act is now—there is no turning back, and you will not regret it.