You open your laptop to study/work but end up scrolling shorts, reels & other social media for hours. Studies show that 80% of Gen Z struggles with procrastination. Procrastination affects everyone at some point. But while it might seem harmless, it can silently affects our dreams, goals, and productivity. Let us explore the underlying reasons behind this common behavior;

Our teachers often reminded us, “Since there’s no school for a couple of days, finish your work today. Don’t put it off, because if you don’t do it today, you probably won’t ever get it done. Remember to bring your completed assignments to school” Despite the teachers’ warnings, we often arrived at school unprepared, our bags unopened since the last time we left, resulting in frequent 10-15-minute lectures on procrastination and time management.

Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily delaying or postponing something despite knowing there will be negative consequences. It is a common human experience that can affect people in various aspects of their personal and professional lives. It is often considered one of the worst human traits, as it hampers productivity and is linked to depression, low self-esteem, guilt, and so on. It directly and indirectly affects others, too; these may be colleagues, friends, clients, and so on.

Why do we procrastinate? 

Procrastination is often driven by factors such as fear of failure, perfectionism, difficulty managing emotions, and feeling overwhelmed by a task. However, procrastination itself is not inherently negative. Our perception of it as “good” or “bad” depends on the context. Consider this example:

(Context A) You become extremely angry with a colleague at work and feel the urge to argue. By procrastinating on this impulse, you allow your anger to subside. Later, you realize that postponing the discussion was the best way to avoid unnecessary conflict. In this context, procrastination proved beneficial.

(Context B) Your manager assigns you several tasks with a short deadline. You repeatedly take breaks, avoid the tasks, and ultimately procrastinate until the last hour. Consequently, you fail to complete the assigned work and receive a warning from your manager. In this context, procrastination had negative consequences.

Therefore, whether procrastination is good or bad entirely depends upon the context. In context A, labeling it as negative would be inaccurate, while in context B, it clearly shows detrimental effects.

A few main reasons for procrastination;

1. Overthinking: As per American Author “Mel Robbins” procrastination is a habit caused by overthinking. Whenever we overthink our brains expend significant energy.
2. Fear of failure: The fear of not succeeding can create a sense of anxiety, leading us to delay starting the task altogether. The thought of failing or not meeting expectations can be so overwhelming that we avoid doing anything at all, even if the task is manageable.
3. Fear of Success: This may sound strange, but fear of success is real. People may avoid taking action because they’re worried about the changes or responsibilities that success could bring. Success may lead to higher expectations, more pressure, or other challenges that could feel intimidating.
4. Love for Comfort Zone: People tend to procrastinate when they prefer staying in their comfort zones. The task at hand might be challenging, unfamiliar, or uncomfortable, and it’s easier to stick with what feels safe and familiar.
5. Perfectionism: Perfectionists often procrastinate because they want everything to be done perfectly, and they worry that their efforts won’t meet their own high standards. 
6. Emotional baggage: Emotional issues, such as stress, anxiety, or unresolved personal challenges, can lead to procrastination. When emotions are running high, it’s difficult to focus or motivate oneself to tackle tasks, leading to avoidance or delay.
7. Difficulty Task: Tasks that are perceived as too difficult, complex, or overwhelming can trigger procrastination. When the task feels like a mountain to climb, we tend to avoid it rather than face it. 
8. Lack of Clarity of work: If a task or project isn’t well-defined or feels ambiguous, it can lead to procrastination. When we don’t clearly understand what needs to be done, it’s easy to feel lost or confused, which leads to delay.

Procrastination is a habit directly proportional to overthinking. As Science tells us Habit cannot be changed overnight the same way procrastination cannot be eliminated by any medicine. It requires a change in physical as well as mental lifestyle. Individuals seeking to overcome procrastination should recognize that complete eradication is unrealistic. As previously discussed, procrastination can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the specific context.