Procrastination

“Procrastination means putting off things you need to do by doing other stuff instead. It’s when you delay important tasks, often because they feel hard or boring. Procrastination can make stress build up, but you can beat it by taking small steps and starting now.”
— Can Do Kiwis

What procrastination is

Procrastination means putting off tasks or decisions, even when you know you should get them done. It’s super common but can hold you back.

  • Fear of failing or even succeeding.

  • Wanting everything to be perfect before starting.

  • Not feeling motivated or interested.

  • Struggling to manage time well.

  • Feeling overwhelmed by big tasks.

  • Getting distracted by social media, games, or TV.

Why we procrastinate

  • Set clear goals
    Know exactly what you want to do and what’s most important.

  • Break it down
    Split big tasks into smaller, easier steps.

  • Use timers
    Try working for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break (Pomodoro Technique).

  • Cut distractions
    Put your phone away or use apps to block distracting sites.

  • Make a schedule
    Plan when you’ll work on tasks and stick to it.

  • Set deadlines and tell someone
    Share your goals with a friend who can check in on you.

  • Think about the benefits
    Remember how good it feels to finish something.

  • Be kind to yourself
    Everyone procrastinates sometimes—don’t beat yourself up.

  • Reward yourself
    Treat yourself when you complete a task.

  • Ask for help if needed
    Talk to a coach, counselor, or friend if procrastination is a big problem.

  • Create a routine
    Make working on tasks part of your daily habits.

  • Visualize success
    Imagine how great it will feel to finish your work.

How to stop procrastinating

Procrastination can be tough, but with these tips, you can get better at managing your time and reaching your goals.

Quiz 32. How organized are you?
Discover how well you manage your time and tasks and get tips to beat procrastination.