The sky is black, dotted with stars; the only light outside is the slight glisten of the streetlamp down the street; the only sign of life is the occasional car driving by in the rain, and you. You just started that research essay that’s due in 5 hours, regretting the fact that you didn’t start it when assigned – a month ago. 

While this is an extreme example, many high schoolers (According to McLean Hospital, a 2016 study proved procrastination to be most prominent in age groups ranging from 14-29, so yes, high schoolers) have caught themselves stuck doing an assignment or three last minute because of one simple thing: procrastination. It’s a deceiving thing, beautiful at first, momentarily relieving, until it bites you in the butt.

For example, procrastinators tend to do worse academically, producing lower-quality work and receiving lower-grades than those who spread out tasks.

Disturbingly, an article from Psychology Today warns people that, “Habitual procrastinators can experience reduced well-being in the form of insomnia or immune system and gastrointestinal disturbance.”

…Gastrointestinal disturbance?! Gross! 

Although the repercussions are extreme and it’s easy to blame lethargy, we must steer away from the mindset that chronic procrastinators are lazy, which only succeeds in furthering the cycle. Instead, we must acknowledge that this pattern is a sign of a much deeper psychological issues. 

So know, if you’re a chronic procrastinator, most of the time it’s not because you’re lazy. Also, hold onto the hope that you can break free.

First, you just have to understand “why?”

Most people know the generic repercussions of procrastination: Stress, sleep debt, irritation. So why do people keep doing it? Why do people get stuck in this cycle? Why don’t people learn?

First off, those who lack self-confidence and belief in their abilities to carry out a task will procrastinate. (Telling oneself that they are lazy deepens this insecurity). This is because belief in oneself that they are able to carry out a task is essential in being able to do so, driving and motivating work-time. 

Without that intrinsic confidence, students won’t feel ‘up for the challenge,’ which means: Procrastination.

Another psychological cause of procrastination is perfectionism. Some students struggle with the fear of being anything but the best, a fear-driven need to be top-of-the-class. While the drive to perform well isn’t inherently bad, it can be inhibiting at times. 

Students may try to put off a task until they have the perfect inspiration and jaw-dropping ideas to get started, losing sight of the fact that creativity is more likely stirred after starting the project.

Furthermore, procrastination involves some level of self-deceit. Procrastinators convince themselves that the cycle they’re stuck in is better than completing necessary assignments or tasks. They trick themselves into thinking that the momentary relief is worth the long-term consequences. 

Commonly, procrastinators trick themselves into believing that, “the stress of a deadline helps them work better,” when in reality they are mistaking this stressed state of fight or flight for peak academic performance. 

Do any of these resonate with you?

Well, they don’t for either Seniors Kaely Latt or Layla Sidhu. Kaely Latt explains, “I just get my work done in class or if I have like a little bit to do at home, I’ll just do it the day of to get it done,” and Layla Sidhu agrees, claiming she, “used to procrastinate, but not anymore.”

Well, how do you get over procrastination, just like Layla, and just do work the day it’s assigned, like Kaely?

While it’s easy to compare and even envy people like this, recall that procrastination is not your fault, you are not just lazy. Remember, beating yourself up will only further procrastination, not encourage you to overcome it. 

It’s important to take time to understand your procrastination, the ins and outs and whys and hows, so that you are able to make a personalized plan to combat it. Remember, everyone’s story is different, and everyone will need to tailor a plan specific to them.  

However, there are a couple tactics that appease to everyone who procrastinates.  

First, breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks helps alleviate stress associated with tasks one may be putting off. Think of it this way: Are you more likely to dread 6 hours of homework or 30 minutes? Assuming the former, being able to set yourself up to avoid those 6 hours is what will help you get started. 

Be aware that breaking up tasks means you have to start a task with an appropriate amount of time so that you have the flexibility to take more time. This tactic doesn’t work if you’ve already procrastinated on an assignment!!

Additionally, minimize distractions. We live in a world sunk by distraction – snapchat notifications, tik tok videos, instagram stories. All of which are easily accessible at the discretion of our fingertips, and mentally easier to indulge in than schoolwork. 

They’re enticing, and chronic procrastinators tend to choose them over pressing tasks, which is why removing them is so vital. With no distraction your brain is able to be present, focusing on what you need to do – not what your friend just posted on their Finsta. 

Moreover, reward yourself! After completing a task – or a smaller, manageable chunk of task – take a brain break to read a book, watch a show, scroll through instagram stories, eat a cookie. These rewards help institute intrinsic motivation when simply completing the task is not enough to do so. 

Finally, be proud of yourself for taking the first steps to overcome procrastination. Even the small wins are big!