Why do we procrastinate?

Putting off something that feels complicated, difficult or boring means that we get to avoid those feelings for a while and devote ourselves to something less arduous instead. It gives us a feeling of reward that increases the likelihood that we will be tempted to make a decision to put off studying.

How well we are able to resist these impulses also affects the probability of procrastinating, as well as our ideas about what it takes for us to study. For example, thoughts such as “I have to be motivated before I can study” or “I work best under pressure” can cause us difficulties. Fear of failing tasks or unreasonably high demands for results also increase the risk of putting things off. To avoid the painful emotions that failure could entail, you can choose not to do your best or choose to do nothing at all.

As a student, you are often solely responsible for allocating your time and planning your days. There may be a long period before an obvious deadline, such as an exam. This requires an ability to work without being rewarded in the near future — that’s why procrastination is common among students. People who procrastinate are neither lazier nor less ambitious than others — however, they have a harder time acting on their plans and intentions.

Many people complete their studies despite procrastination, which can reinforce the behaviour and reduce motivation for change. But it comes at a high cost in the form of unnecessary stress, imbalance in everyday life and difficulties maintaining a sustainable study life.

Where are you in your change process?

Are you ready to begin a change?

Consider the reasons for reducing the amount you put off by filling in the table below. Write down the advantages and disadvantages of continuing as now, or of making a change. What do you come up with?

Example: