Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks, often leading to feelings of guilt and anxiety. It often stems from fear of failure, perfectionism, or a lack of motivation. For instance, a student might delay starting their project because they’re worried it won’t meet their own high standards, which can create a cycle of anxiety and avoidance. This tendency not only affects productivity but can also erode self-esteem and increase stress levels.

To overcome procrastination, one effective strategy is to break tasks into smaller, manageable parts. For example, instead of tackling a whole research paper at once, a student could focus on writing one paragraph or even just conducting some preliminary research. Setting specific, achievable goals can make a daunting task feel less overwhelming. Additionally, using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break—can help maintain focus and reduce the temptation to procrastinate.