The Truth About Procrastination & How It Holds You Back
You know that thing you’ve been meaning to start—maybe it’s going to the gym, launching that side hustle, or even cleaning out your inbox? Yeah, that one. Let me guess—you told yourself, "I’ll do it tomorrow." But what if I told you that tomorrow isn’t the problem? The problem is you’re lying to yourself. Every time you say "tomorrow," you’re stealing time from your future self—and trust me, they’re not happy about it.
Procrastination: The Silent Killer of Dreams
Procrastination isn’t just laziness. It’s actually a coping mechanism. It’s what your brain does when it feels overwhelmed, uncertain, or even afraid. Fear is a huge driver of procrastination—fear of failure, fear of success, fear of the unknown.
When you procrastinate, you’re not avoiding the task itself. You’re avoiding the emotions tied to that task. It’s not about writing the report or hitting the gym—it’s about the discomfort of starting.
The Procrastination Cycle
Trigger: Task feels overwhelming or unpleasant.
Avoidance: You distract yourself with something easier—social media, Netflix, or even cleaning.
Guilt: You feel bad for putting it off, which adds to your stress.
Repeat: You promise to start tomorrow…and the cycle continues.
Sound familiar? It’s a vicious cycle. But here’s the kicker—while you’re stuck in this loop, time keeps moving. And the opportunities you’re putting off? They don’t wait.
The Cost of "I’ll Do It Tomorrow"
Let’s talk about the price you’re paying for procrastination. And no, I don’t just mean missed deadlines. I’m talking about the bigger picture—your life.
I once had a big idea for a project—a blog I wanted to start. I kept telling myself, "I’ll start next week when I have more time." Weeks turned into months, and guess what? Someone else launched a blog on the exact same topic and crushed it. They built an audience, made connections, and turned it into a business. Meanwhile, I was stuck with nothing but regret. Why? Because I let "tomorrow" steal my shot.
According to a study published in Psychological Science, chronic procrastinators are more likely to experience higher levels of stress, poor mental health, and lower life satisfaction. It’s not just about missing deadlines—it’s about eroding your confidence and self-worth.
Here’s the reality: every time you procrastinate, you’re not just delaying a task—you’re delaying your growth, your progress, and ultimately, your future.
Why Tomorrow Never Comes
So, why is "tomorrow" such a comfortable lie? Because it feels safe. It’s a way of convincing yourself that you’re in control, even when you’re not.
"Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." – Pablo Picasso
When you tell yourself you’ll do it tomorrow, you’re creating an illusion of progress. But in reality, you’re just piling more pressure onto your future self.
Here’s an interesting fact: your brain sees "future you" as a completely different person. It’s why you don’t feel the weight of putting things off—you’re literally disconnecting from the person who has to deal with the consequences.
Think about this: if your best friend was drowning, would you tell them, "I’ll throw you a lifeline tomorrow"? Of course not. So why are you doing that to yourself?
How to Break Free from the Cycle
Okay, enough with the doom and gloom. Let’s talk solutions. How do you break free from the "I’ll do it tomorrow" trap?
Actionable Tips:
The 2-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it now. It’s a simple way to build momentum and avoid letting small tasks pile up.
Set Micro-Deadlines: Break big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks with specific deadlines. Instead of "write a book," set a goal like "write 500 words by Friday."
Create Accountability: Tell someone about your goal and ask them to check in with you. Public accountability is a powerful motivator.
Reward Yourself: Give yourself something to look forward to when you complete a task—like a coffee break or 15 minutes of guilt-free Netflix.
Visualize the Consequences: Take a moment to imagine how it feels to accomplish the task—and how it feels to keep putting it off. Use that emotion to drive action.
Final Thoughts
Procrastination isn’t just about wasting time—it’s about wasting potential. But the good news is, you have the power to break free from the cycle. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: action creates clarity.
"The best way to get something done is to begin." – Unknown
If this resonated with you, don’t wait until tomorrow to take action. Start now. Your future self will thank you.