Procrastination is characterized by delaying work on a task that requires completion.

While its not a mental health disorder, procrastination can cause psychological distress.

Frequent procrastination may negatively affect your personal, school, or work lives.

How to break bad habits (procrastinating), woman sitting at desk working on computer

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What Is Procrastination?

While everyones reasons for procrastinating are unique, there may be a common element of fear andperfectionismmotivating procrastinating behavior.

Procrastination is also associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.

All of these can impact a persons ability to follow through with impending tasks and meet deadlines.

What Is Revenge Bedtime Procrastination?

What Is the Negative Impact of Procrastination?

Procrastination doesnt do anyone any favors.

Other negative impacts of procrastination are:

Putting things off you eventually do anyway also takes energy and time.

Avoiding tasks doesnt make you stop thinking about them or worrying about them.

How to Overcome Procrastination

Procrastination is a learned behavior, and it can be unlearned.

A good place to start is to acknowledge that youre procrastinating.

A Word From Verywell

Everyone procrastinates from time to time.

Frequently Asked Questions

No.

If you keep avoiding a task at all costs, you’re procrastinating.

  1. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.736776

American Psychological Association.The psychology of procrastination: Why people put off important tasks until the last minute.

Reed College.The six styles of procrastination and how students can overcome them.

2021;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.736776

American Psychological Association.Anxiety.

The Sleep Foundation.What is revenge bedtime procrastination?

2021;39(1-11).

McClean Hospital.Why you put off things until the last minute.

Princeton University The McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.Understanding and overcoming procrastination.