7 Habits of Highly Effective Procrastinators (And How to Break Them)

Jan 29, 2025

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We all procrastinate sometimes. It’s a natural human tendency to put things off, especially when we’re faced with tasks that seem difficult, unpleasant, or overwhelming. But for some people, procrastination can become a chronic problem that interferes with their work, their relationships, and their overall well-being.

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you might be wondering if there’s any hope for you. The good news is that there is! By understanding the habits that contribute to procrastination, you can start to break them and develop more productive habits.

In this article, we’ll explore seven habits of highly effective procrastinators (and how to break them).

1. Perfectionism

Perfectionists tend to set very high standards for themselves, and they’re often afraid of failing to meet those standards. This fear of failure can lead them to procrastinate on tasks, because they’d rather not do something at all than do it imperfectly.

How to break it:

Set realistic expectations. No one is perfect, and it’s important to remember that mistakes are part of the learning process. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for excellence.
Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This can make the task seem less daunting and more achievable.
Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate your small victories along the way, and don’t beat yourself up over setbacks.

2. Fear of Success

This one might sound counterintuitive, but some people actually procrastinate because they’re afraid of success. They might worry that success will change them or their relationships, or that they won’t be able to handle the new responsibilities that come with it.

How to break it:

Identify your fears. What are you really afraid of? Once you know what your fears are, you can start to address them.
Challenge your negative thoughts. Are your fears realistic? Are you catastrophizing?
Visualize yourself succeeding. Imagine yourself achieving your goals and enjoying the benefits of success.

3. Lack of Planning

If you don’t have a plan for how you’re going to achieve your goals, it’s easy to get sidetracked and procrastinate. Without a clear plan, you’re more likely to get overwhelmed and give up.

How to break it:

Set SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Create a plan of action. Break down your goals into smaller steps, and then create a schedule for completing those steps.
Use a planner or calendar to stay organized. This will help you track your progress and stay on track.

4. Distraction

In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded with distractions. From social media to email to our phones, there’s always something vying for our attention. This can make it very difficult to focus on tasks and get things done.

How to break it:

Identify your distractions. What are the things that tend to distract you most? Once you know what they are, you can start to avoid them.
Create a distraction-free environment. When you need to focus on a task, find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted.
Use technology to your advantage. There are a number of apps and tools that can help you block distractions and stay focused.

5. Lack of Motivation

Sometimes, we procrastinate simply because we’re not motivated to do the task at hand. This can be especially true if the task is boring, difficult, or unpleasant.

How to break it:

Find your why. Why is it important to you to complete this task? What are the benefits of doing it?
Set rewards for yourself. When you complete a task, give yourself a small reward. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This can make the task seem less daunting and more achievable.

6. Impulsivity

Impulsive people tend to act without thinking, and they often have difficulty delaying gratification. This can lead them to procrastinate on tasks, because they’d rather do something more enjoyable in the moment.

How to break it:

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and it can help you make more conscious choices.
Develop self-control. Self-control is the ability to resist temptation and delay gratification. This is a skill that can be learned and strengthened with practice.
Create a plan and stick to it. When you have a plan, it’s easier to resist impulsive urges.

7. Low Self-Esteem

People with low self-esteem often doubt their abilities and their worthiness of success. This can lead them to procrastinate on tasks, because they’re afraid of failing or being judged.

How to break it:

Challenge your negative thoughts. Are your thoughts about yourself accurate? Are you being too hard on yourself?
Focus on your strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing?
Set realistic expectations. No one is perfect, and it’s important to remember that mistakes are part of the learning process.
Celebrate your accomplishments. When you achieve something, take the time to acknowledge your success.

Remember: Overcoming procrastination is a journey, not a destination. There will be times when you slip up, but don’t let that discourage you. Just pick yourself up and start again. With patience and persistence, you can break the habits of procrastination and achieve your goals.

I hope this article blesses your life.

Warm Regards,

Keonna Hamlett