What causes procrastination?

Procrastination is a common behavior that involves delaying tasks, even though this delay may lead to a negative consequence (such as not achieving a work deadline or failing to achieve a fitness goal). The causes of procrastination vary from person to person, but here are some common factors that contribute to procrastination:

• Lack of motivation
• Fear of failure or disappointment
• Lack of self-esteem and self-confidence
• Perfectionism
• Lack of self-discipline
• Poor time management
• Task difficulty and complexity
• Lack of interest in the task or action
• Distractions
• Feeling tired or overwhelm

Identifying your barriers is a helpful first step for overcoming procrastination.