logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
35m 4s

136. The psychology of procrastination

iHeartPodcasts
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
Nov 12
480. The 6 cognitive biases that will ruin your 20s
Your brain doesn’t always steer you towards what’s best for you...especially in your 20s. Sometimes it convinces you to stay in the wrong relationship, give up after one rejection or believe you should have your entire life figured out by 25 even though you know that's not true! ... Show More
42m 7s
Nov 9
479. Why you're not who you want to be (yet)
Most of us have an idea of the person we would like to become - more confident, more successful, healthier, calmer, more disciplined. But where did that ideal come from? And is it actually ours? In this episode, we explore the psychology behind the real and ideal self, asking wha ... Show More
39m 40s
Nov 8
478. The 5 most important psychology studies for your 20s
Of the thousands of psychology papers I’ve read for this podcast, these are five I think every 20 something should know about. Today, we’re exploring the research that could change how you think about feeling behind, getting rejected, finding love and chasing success. We discuss: ... Show More
27m 43s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2023
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
9m 59s
Jun 2025
5 Reasons You Keep Procrastinating
We all do it. That task you’ve been avoiding? Still there. That thing you told yourself you’d start tomorrow? Welcome to tomorrow. We like to think procrastination is just laziness, but it’s usually something deeper. A hidden fear, a mental block, or maybe just a really well-orga ... Show More
12m 3s
Sep 2023
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
26m 39s
Mar 2010
Paralyzed by Procrastination
Sometimes when we procrastinate on one thing, it seems to prevent us from doing anything at all - at least anything we think we should be doing. This week, I share a listener's story about how the most detrimental effect of his tendency to procrastinate is that it makes him put e ... Show More
19m 32s
Jan 2025
571: Why We Procrastinate (And How to Stop Procrastinating)
<p>In 2022, a study published in Psychology Today found that <strong>88% of people feel worse after procrastinating</strong>. Procrastination is undoubtedly one of the most common barriers to success—but what if you could break free from it starting today?</p> <p>In this episode, ... Show More
41m 24s
Oct 2024
S3 Ep06 - Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination can feel like an endless battle, one that we keep trying to win through discipline and force. We push ourselves harder, use stricter schedules, or employ rigid systems, only to find ourselves falling back into the same patterns. It’s easy to fall into the trap of ... Show More
25m 33s
Aug 2022
What's so bad about procrastination anyway
Procrastination can lead to massive stress, says author Mark Stephens. It also breaks down our self-esteem. The good news is you can become a "do-it-now" person. Yes, YOU! It starts with changing how you feel about yourself – and we’re going to teach you how. Like the podcast? Le ... Show More
4m 36s
Apr 2020
The Real Reasons Why You Can't Stop Procrastinating
As far as obstacles to productivity go, procrastination is a challenge that many run into over and over again. Add the uncertainties caused by COVID-19 and the distractions that working in unsettling environment brings, tackling things that require effort and brainpower can feel ... Show More
39m 16s