Let’s talk about something that’s quietly eating away at your potential: procrastination.
You already know what it looks like:
- Scrolling endlessly when you should be working.
- Telling yourself “I’ll start tomorrow” — and saying it again the next day.
- Feeling overwhelmed just thinking about that project, that assignment, that dream.
But procrastination isn’t just “being lazy.” It’s usually deeper than that.
It’s about avoiding emotions you don’t want to deal with — fear, boredom, self-doubt, stress, anxiety, frustration, perfectionism, Indecisiveness, or even the weight of your expectations. The immediate relief of putting it off feels better in the moment.
How Procrastination Works:
- You know you have something important to do.
- You feel uncomfortable — it looks too hard, too boring, or too scary.
- You avoid it and do something easier (YouTube, Netflix, texting, napping).
- You feel a little better right now, but stressed and guilty later.
- The cycle repeats — until the pressure explodes and you’re rushing or missing opportunities altogether.
The interesting thing is that we often know we’re procrastinating, and we often feel guilty about it, which can actually create a negative cycle. The guilt and anxiety can make the task even less appealing, leading to more avoidance.
Different Types of Procrastination You Might Recognize:
- Perfectionist Procrastination:
“If it can’t be perfect, I won’t even start.”
- Overwhelmed Procrastination:
“It’s too much. I don’t know where to begin.”
- Fearful Procrastination:
“What if I try and fail?”
- Thrill-Seeker Procrastination: “I work better under pressure.” (Spoiler: you don’t.)
Sound familiar?
Why Procrastination is Dangerous
You’re at the age when dreams are fresh and ambition is high, but procrastination slowly kills both.
If you let it:
- You’ll miss opportunities you won’t even know you missed.
- You’ll live stressed, rushing everything last minute.
- You’ll hurt your confidence: each unfinished project quietly tells your brain, “Maybe I can’t do this.”
- You’ll look back one day and wonder: “Where did all that time go?”
How to Fight Back (Because You Can!)
Here’s how you start winning against procrastination:
- Break it down
Big tasks are scary. Chop them into tiny steps you can crush in 5–15 minutes.
- Use the “5-Minute Rule”
Tell yourself you’ll just work on it for five minutes. Most of the time, starting is the hardest part.
- Focus on the Next Tiny Action
Don’t say “Write the essay.” Say, “Open the document and write a title.” Don’t say “Get fit.” Say, “Put on sneakers and step outside.”
- Block your distractions
Silence the phone. Turn off the notifications. Create a space where your future self can win.
- Talk to yourself differently
When you think “I’ll never do this well,” replace it with “Every expert was once a beginner.”
- Visualize Future You
Picture yourself one year from now — proud, free, successful — because you took action today.
- Forgive Yourself and Keep Moving
Everyone stumbles. The difference between winners and losers is simple: Winners get back up faster.
Thought patterns that can fuel procrastination. Examples include overestimating the time you have, underestimating how long a task will take, or believing you need to be in the “right mood” to start.
Final Words:
As human beings, we tend to heavily value immediate rewards over future ones, making the short-term comfort of procrastination more appealing than the long-term benefits of task completion. In that, if a task is perceived as boring, difficult, unpleasant, or lacking in intrinsic reward, we’re more likely to avoid it.
Procrastination often stems from underlying psychological factors that trigger avoidance. Becoming self-aware of these triggers – whether it’s the anxiety of potential failure, the paralyzing pursuit of perfection, or the overwhelming feeling of a task’s enormity – is the crucial first step. Subsequently, gently restructuring these mental roadblocks involves consciously challenging negative thoughts, reframing perspectives (like viewing mistakes as learning), and breaking down tasks into smaller, less intimidating steps. This internal shift, from avoidance driven by discomfort to a more manageable and self-compassionate approach, is key to overcoming procrastination’s psychological grip.
Your dreams don’t care about your excuses.
They’re waiting for you to show up.
Every time you choose discipline over delay, you invest in the life you say you want. And trust me: the version of you 5 years from now is desperately hoping you will.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to be fearless.
You just have to be moving, put your leg ahead of the other, alternatively.
Because…
– “Later” is where dreams go to die.
– “Now” is where dreams come alive.”
What’s one tiny step you could take right now towards that thing you’ve been putting off? Seriously, even if it’s just thinking about it for 30 seconds. Do that, and you’re already winning. Let’s ditch the mediocre and start making things happen. What do you say?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I recognize the task before me and the tendency within me to delay. Grant me the clarity, focus, and motivation to begin and persevere. Help me to set aside distractions and embrace the present moment, trusting that with your guidance, I can accomplish what needs to be done.
In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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Hey, I’m Angeline, your RN also a Counselor and founder of Finally Am Found. With a heart for mentorship, I’ve been guiding teens and young adults since 2017. As a Registered Nurse, I blend medical expertise with personal experiences to create a Christ-aligned space for self-discovery. Connect with Angeline on Facebook and let the journey to self-discovery begin!
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