Why Do We Procrastinate?

SciShow
18 May 201608:36

Summary

TLDRProcrastination, a common issue for many, is more complex than just laziness or poor time management. It involves various psychological aspects such as executive function, mood regulation, and impulsivity. Research suggests that procrastination may even have a genetic component, linked to behaviors like impulsivity and prioritizing short-term goals. However, it also has negative effects, including higher stress and potential health risks. Strategies for overcoming procrastination include breaking tasks into smaller chunks and developing self-regulation skills. Understanding the connection between present and future self can also motivate action and reduce procrastination.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Procrastination is a common behavior that affects everyone to some degree, involving the delay of unpleasant tasks like homework or making appointments.
  • 😀 Procrastination is more complex than just laziness and can be viewed differently by various subfields of psychology, including neuropsychology, social psychology, and evolutionary psychology.
  • 😀 Neuropsychologists see procrastination as a failure of executive function, which is the ability to plan, prioritize, and act on tasks.
  • 😀 Social psychologists view procrastination as an emotional regulation issue, where people avoid tasks to avoid negative feelings such as stress or discomfort.
  • 😀 Evolutionary psychologists suggest procrastination may be linked to short-term survival instincts, where early humans prioritized immediate goals over distant ones.
  • 😀 Research indicates that procrastination may have a genetic component, with studies on twins showing a link between procrastination and impulsivity.
  • 😀 Chronic procrastination has been associated with negative outcomes like stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
  • 😀 A significant factor in overcoming procrastination is improving self-regulation, which involves managing one's emotions and executive functions effectively.
  • 😀 Breaking tasks into smaller chunks with periodic deadlines is a proven strategy to combat procrastination, making tasks seem more manageable and reducing stress.
  • 😀 People who lack a strong connection to their future selves tend to procrastinate more, as they view their future as a separate entity and not something they directly affect.
  • 😀 Strategies to overcome procrastination include accepting negative feelings, reminding yourself of the future consequences, and acknowledging that putting off tasks only prolongs stress.

Q & A

  • What is procrastination and why do we do it?

    -Procrastination is the act of putting off tasks, even when we know we need to do them eventually. We procrastinate due to factors like poor time management, mood regulation, and even genetic influences that prioritize short-term goals over long-term ones.

  • How does procrastination relate to genetics?

    -Studies, including one from the University of Colorado Boulder, suggest that procrastination might have a genetic component. Research comparing identical and fraternal twins showed that procrastination habits are partly inherited, with a link to impulsivity.

  • What role does executive function play in procrastination?

    -Executive function refers to the mental skills that allow us to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks. Procrastination often occurs when these skills fail, preventing us from getting started or completing tasks.

  • How does mood regulation contribute to procrastination?

    -Mood regulation is crucial to procrastination because people often delay tasks to avoid bad feelings like stress or discomfort. This emotional avoidance provides short-term relief but leads to stress later when the task is still unfinished.

  • What is the evolutionary perspective on procrastination?

    -From an evolutionary standpoint, procrastination may have been adaptive in early human life, where short-term survival was prioritized. Our ancestors may have been more successful by acting impulsively and delaying long-term plans, a tendency that could be passed down genetically.

  • Can procrastination have any benefits?

    -In certain cases, procrastination may have indirect benefits, such as motivating people to take action under pressure. For instance, delaying the start of a task might lead to productivity in other areas, like going to the gym.

  • What are the psychological consequences of chronic procrastination?

    -Chronic procrastination can lead to higher stress levels and is linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. There may also be physical health consequences, including difficulties managing blood pressure and heart disease.

  • What strategies can help people overcome procrastination?

    -One effective strategy is breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts. This reduces overwhelm and provides a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, viewing your future self as connected to your present self can motivate you to complete tasks now instead of delaying them.

  • How does self-regulation relate to procrastination?

    -Self-regulation involves managing your emotions and behavior to achieve long-term goals. Procrastination is often a failure of self-regulation, where individuals avoid unpleasant tasks instead of confronting them and managing the associated stress.

  • What did the study on future self-continuity find about procrastination?

    -The study found that people who felt a strong connection between their present and future selves were less likely to procrastinate. Those who viewed their future self as a stranger tended to procrastinate more because they didn’t feel as responsible for future consequences.

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相关标签
ProcrastinationSelf-regulationPsychologyGoal managementMood regulationImpulsivityExecutive functionStress managementBehavioral scienceTime managementTask management
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