What Are Some Subtle Signs You Might Be Procrastinating?

Everyone procrastinates sometimes. It can be crystal clear, like when you’re sitting in front of your computer but texting your friend “I don’t wanna write this paper!” But other times procrastination can be sneakier, even disguising itself as productivity. Here are some signs to look out for:

Are you filling your day with low-priority tasks?

• Checking something off on your to-do list — even something minor — can help you feel like you’ve accomplishing something.

• Sometimes this can help kickstart your productivity.

• But if you find yourself checking off only the low-priority items, then it’s a sign that you may be alleviating your anxiety but eating away at the time you have to get something more important done.

Are you reading emails, texts, or assignment descriptions over multiple times without responding or putting pen to paper?

• If you’re reading and re-reading, it may feel like you’re getting something done.

• But we often don’t get started on important tasks or decisions because we don’t know how, or we’re worried we might make a mistake.

• If you’re not sure how to respond to something or get started, ask someone — like a friend or professor — for guidance.

Has a really important task been on your to-do list for over a week?

• This is a major red flag that indicates this task is bringing up some dread for you, and you likely need to ask someone to help you get started.

Are you actually starting a big assignment, but then heading out to get something to eat, going to get some coffee, texting with friends, or watching cat videos?

• It’s great that you’re actually breaking ground on this!

• But take that first step further.

• Get at least an hour or two in, and then reward yourself with social interactions, a treat from the coffee shop, or some online videos.

Are you adding tasks to your to-do list today?  How important are they?

• Chances are, these new tasks are not as imperative as what you already have on your plate, and can be handled later.

• Procrastination sometimes looks like doing something fun or mindless, but it can also look like doing work that’s unrelated to something more important.

Are you telling yourself, “I need to be in the right mood to do this?”

• Reality check: You won’t be. There’s never a “right mood” or “right time” to get a tough task done. If it wasn’t enticing a week ago, it won’t be enticing today.

• Think about what’s holding you back and try to come up with strategies to help, like breaking up a big task into smaller components.

The first step towards combating procrastination is recognizing you’re doing it in the first place. The more we know ourselves and our motivations, the better we can work towards our goals.

So how do you fight procrastination? Learn More!