The Real Causes of Procrastination

Sometimes, we all wait until the last minute to do something. It might look like being lazy, but actually, procrastination is a little trickier than that! People put things off for lots of reasons, and there are 12 different types of procrastination. Some kids might have one type, and some might have a mix. Let’s explore the different ways procrastination can happen and why it’s totally normal.

Why Kids (and Grown-Ups) Put Things Off

• Fear: “This is too hard, I’ll wait until later.”

• Confidence: “I know I can finish it fast at the last minute.”

• Busy-ness: “I have so many things to do, this is the only time I can do it.”

• Pressure Pot: “I like the challenge of finishing something quickly—it feels exciting!”

• Remember: Just because someone waits to start, it doesn’t mean they’re lazy. They might be scared, overwhelmed, confident, bored, or something else.

Different “Styles” of Procrastination

• The Perfectionist: Wants everything to be perfect, so they delay starting.

• The Dreamer: Loves big ideas but struggles with the small steps.

• The Worrier: Afraid of failing, changing, or trying something new.

• The Crisis-Maker/Drama Queen: Works best under last-minute pressure or even creates chaos.

• The Defier/Rebel: Hates being told what to do—even by themselves.

• The Over-Doer/Busy Bee: Has too many tasks and feels overwhelmed, so nothing gets started.

Procrastination Based on Motivation

• Anxious Procrastination: Puts things off because of stress or worry.

• Hedonistic Procrastination: Chooses fun activities instead of the task.

• Productive Procrastination: Works on other helpful things instead of the main task.

• Active vs. Passive Procrastination:

• Active: Waits on purpose, sometimes works out well.

• Passive: Waits without meaning to, usually causes problems.

• Procrastination Based on the Situation

• Situational Procrastination: Happens only in certain situations, like homework, chores, or bedtime.

• Creative Avoidance: Keeps busy with other “important” tasks to avoid the main one.

Instead of thinking about procrastination as a bad thing, think about it as a signal that something about the task or situation is tricky. The next time you feel like putting something off, ask yourself: Am I scared, overwhelmed, bored, or just waiting for a little challenge? Knowing your procrastination style can help you get started and feel proud when you finish.