Procrastination (postponement behavior)

Procrastination (postponement behavior)

Procrastination is a behavior in which one often postpones or avoids carrying out planned tasks, despite knowing that it may lead to negative consequences. It can involve procrastinating decisions or tasks that feel demanding or boring, which means that one instead chooses to focus on something light or fun in order to escape feelings of discomfort.

There are several reasons for procrastination, where unpleasant feelings such as anxiety, fear, boredom or doubt often play a central role. To avoid these feelings, one may unconsciously choose to postpone the task, and the immediate “reward” of avoiding the discomfort can reinforce the behavior. Unfortunately, this often leads to an increased feeling of guilt, which in turn can create a vicious cycle of further procrastination and delayed decisions.

Procrastination is also closely linked to decision-making and often affects our ability to act effectively in everyday life. When this behavior becomes chronic, it can have serious consequences for both productivity and well-being.

In some cases, severe procrastination can be a sign of an underlying psychological problem, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. By understanding the reasons behind procrastination and working to break this pattern, you can regain control and effectively manage your tasks.

At Skepsis reception you can get:

  • Psychoeducation and CBT for individuals