by Mandy Stussman ’14

We’ve all done it at one point in our lives: discredit the long term benefits of getting something done for the instant gratification of not doing it. Many of us are repeat offenders. Why would someone put something off until later when they know from experience it will only cause distress and unhappiness at a later time?

The answer to that question lies in the complex interactions of the brain. Psychologists have examined the causes and motivations behind procrastination for decades. Though most people put things off from time to time, for 20 percent of people procrastination is a lifestyle – a maladaptive and self-destructive one. These people suffer from chronic procrastination.

Dr. Joseph Ferrari, one of the world’s leading experts on procrastination, identifies three basic types of chronic procrastinators: the first being arousal types, or thrill-seekers, who wait until the last minute to complete an assignment for the euphoric rush. Ferrari defines the second type as avoiders, who may be distracting themselves from a fear of failure or a fear of success. This type of procrastinator is generally very concerned with what others think of them; they would rather have others think they lack effort than ability. Lastly, decisional procrastinators are people who find themselves unable to dedicate themselves to any one method of accomplishing work. Not making a decision absolves procrastinators of responsibility for the outcome of events.

Procrastination can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem and the loss of respect or opportunities. However, for those procrastinators out there, there’s still hope. Changing one’s habits bit by bit goes a long way towards overcoming procrastination. By having a “To-Do” list, setting reasonable goals, approaching tasks in small intervals, rewarding oneself along the way with a snack or break, not expecting perfection and just getting started, slowly but surely a person can rid themselves of the nasty habit of procrastination.