Chapter 1: The Nature of Procrastination

In my introductory seminar for college freshmen, I always kick off the semester with a session focused on goal-setting and expectations. My central message is straightforward: breaking down a goal into smaller, manageable steps is the most effective path to achievement.

For instance, if a student's aim is to secure a 4.0 GPA, their mini-steps could include attending every class, submitting assignments punctually, regularly meeting with professors, planning study sessions, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate sleep. I consistently emphasize that these mini-steps are not only more significant but also more gratifying than the final goal itself. The journey is where the real “magic” occurs. As Robert Louis Stevenson wisely noted, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.”

However, many students express that initiating this journey is where they struggle; they often cite procrastination as their primary hurdle. Consequently, they frequently set a goal to stop postponing essential tasks—whether it’s completing homework, preparing for exams, or finishing projects—until the very last moment.

When a student identifies as a procrastinator, my first question is whether they also view themselves as a perfectionist. The typical response is affirmative. This opens up a dialogue about the relationship between the two. I refer to it as the “three P’s”: the pursuit of Perfection creates additional Pressure, which is often alleviated through Procrastination. A more detailed explanation can be found in an article from Psyche Central titled “Procrastination is Really Perfectionism”:

“Perfectionists impose exceptionally high standards on themselves, demanding nothing short of excellence. This self-imposed pressure often leads to procrastination, as they may hesitate to commence a task due to the fear of not achieving perfection. If a task cannot be completed perfectly, they may prefer to avoid starting it altogether. In their subconscious, they would rather abstain than risk producing an outcome that falls short of their elevated standards.”

Yet, during a recent discussion with a student grappling with procrastination, he insisted he wasn’t a perfectionist; rather, he described himself as simply “lazy.” I was reluctant to accept this characterization, yet I didn’t want to dismiss his self-perception either. This prompted me to contemplate the concept of laziness, examine its connection to procrastination, and delve into its emotional foundations. Seeking guidance, I consulted with Jason Kurtz, a prominent psychoanalyst and author. I shared my student’s perspective with him, and he offered the following insight:

“This is a topic I frequently discuss with my clients. The notion of procrastination is a misnomer. When you genuinely want to do something, you do it. Do you find yourself procrastinating when it comes to activities you enjoy, like fishing or watching football? The answer is undoubtedly no.

Procrastination arises for one of two reasons: either you lack the desire to engage in a task—be it exercising, visiting your mother-in-law, or completing an assignment—or you doubt your ability to perform it well, particularly not perfectly.

Children often face obligations to do things they are either disinterested in, unsure how to tackle, or lack confidence in accomplishing. Thus, it may appear as laziness from an outsider's perspective, but it signifies something deeper.

In this context, procrastination is not inherently negative. Like all emotions, it conveys critical information. You may not want to pursue the task, or you might feel unprepared or doubt your capabilities. If you’re uninterested, it’s worth reassessing whether you should pressure yourself into doing it. Perhaps it’s not a goal you genuinely wish to pursue. Conversely, if you’re uncertain about how to proceed or fear you can’t do it, consider whether it's something you aspire to learn or feel compelled to attempt. You might need to encourage yourself to overcome this feeling.

Labeling oneself as lazy overlooks the essential process of uncovering what this emotion reveals about the task you’re avoiding. Recognizing our laziness can prevent us from addressing the underlying issues at play.”

I find this perspective resonates with my evolving belief that our emotions serve a vital purpose, especially the uncomfortable ones. They act as indicators, signposts, and even alarms. By heeding their call and embracing them instead of evading them, we can navigate our paths more effectively. Our emotions can guide us toward achieving our goals, or, more importantly, initiating the journey towards them.

This insightful video discusses how procrastination is often misinterpreted and reveals the true reasons behind it.

Chapter 2: Confronting Procrastination

In this video, you'll learn how to overcome the misconception that procrastination is linked to laziness and discover practical strategies to combat it.

Photo credit: iStock

About the Author

John McCaffrey is an accomplished author with four published works, including three short story collections and a dystopian novel. He is a dedicated contributor to The Good Men Project, serves as the Editor for Vine Leaves Press’s 50 Give or Take series, and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology.