episode-header-image

Oct 2023

35m 4s

136. The psychology of procrastination

About this episode

Putting off a task to the last minute might feel good in the moment, but it often leads to a lot of long term consequences and stress. In today's episode we discuss the psychology behind why we procrastinate. Procrastination is often confused with laziness and poor time management, but its so much more than that. Many of us are chronic procrastinators because of factors like:

Boredom
Perfectionism and overthinking
Poor impulse control
The pleasure principle
Anxiety regulation
Enjoying the urgency, adrenaline and pressure of doing things last minute

We break down all those causes of procrastination, alongside my SIX crucial tips for managing your chronic procrastination, from chunking, to the 80/20 rule, self imposed deadlines and using social accountability. Listen now!

Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/

Follow Jemma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next

417. The pressure to be extraordinary in our 20s

In our 20s, we can feel intense pressure to be extraordinary, to stand head and shoulders above the pack, to thrive across all aspects of our life. But when we put pressure on ourselves to be extraordinary, we can fall victim to social comparison, lose sight of what we really wan ... Show More

416. The surprising neuroscience behind your anxiety

Anxiety has a way of making ordinary moments feel life-or-death. A simple interaction can feel significant, a passing thought can spiral into catastrophe, and your body can react as if something is deeply wrong - even when rationally you know you’re probably okay. In this episode ... Show More

415. The psychology of dopamine

Most people would know the term: dopamine. It's the world's most famous neurotransmitter, known for it's role in happiness and pleasure. What if I told you, most of us have it all wrong. In today's episode we break down the secret history and psychology of dopamine, including: Th ... Show More

Recommended Episodes

The Psychology of Procrastination

What is procrastination? Procrastination is the act of avoiding something through delay or postponement. You might be procrastinating when: There is a gap between your intention and action You feel like avoiding something You find yourself easily distracted You feel overwhelmed b ... Show More

227 - Friday Fix: How to Stop Procrastinating

We all put things off sometimes — even when we know there will be negative consequences for doing it. Whether we avoid doing household chores, making appointments, or paying our bills, procrastination can become a real problem. And while some people seem to think it’s a time mana ... Show More

162. How to Conquer Procrastination

<p>#162: Procrastination is something of a mystery. Its costs — decreased quality of work, fraying of bonds with others, increased negative emotions like stress, even health effects — are universally acknowledged. Yet procrastination persists — or, put precisely, people persist i ... Show More

Ep 27 - Overcoming Procrastination

<p>Procrastination is something we all do but wish we didn't. In this episode we speak about why we procrastinate as well as the 5 tips to overcome procrastination.</p> <p><p>Feeling stuck? It's time to take back control. If you're ready to master your mind and create real, lasti ... Show More

Giving in to feel awful?

In this podcast, I respond to a listener who wrote, ". . .when I'm deep into procrastination, I don't do things that make me feel good, sometimes I seem to fly deep into some sort of personal crisis to avoid my work. Often I don't even realize I'm doing it. . . I think some of my ... Show More

3 Ways To Stop Procrastinating

<p>Do you struggle with procrastination? Do you find yourself putting off tasks and projects until the last minute, only to feel stressed and overwhelmed when the deadline approaches? If so, this podcast episode is for you!</p> <p>In this episode, we'll be discussing the root cau ... Show More

How to Stop Procrastinating, According to the World’s Leading Expert (It’s Not What You Think)

<p>Are you always the one who is late for everything?</p><p>Do you find yourself procrastinating, no matter how hard you try to stay focused?</p><p>Does managing your time to get everything done feel impossible?</p><p>Mel sits down with THE world’s leading researcher on procrasti ... Show More

The Real Reason You Procrastinate

<p>If you or someone you know has a problem with procrastination, you've probably chalked it up to a deficiency in time management skills or self-control. But my guest says there are deeper reasons underlying procrastination, and he'll unpack what they are today on the show.</p>< ... Show More