Everyone puts things off sometimes, but procrastinators chronically avoid difficult tasks and may deliberately look for distractions. Procrastination tends to reflect a person’s struggles with self-control . For habitual procrastinators, who represent approximately 20 percent of the population, "I don't feel like it" comes to take precedence over their goals or responsibilities, setting them on a
What Is Procrastination? (Plain Language Explanation)
Procrastination refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Procrastination
- Symptoms: The specific ways procrastination shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen procrastination
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When procrastination occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Procrastination
- Procrastination is far more common than most people realize
- Procrastination is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with procrastination see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about procrastination is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing procrastination, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.