(And How to Trick Yourself Into Action)
Let’s be honest—if procrastination were an Olympic sport, most of us would have at least a silver medal by now. We all do it. That report that’s due tomorrow? Suddenly, deep-cleaning the fridge feels urgent. Need to respond to an email? Better scroll Instagram first. And don’t even get me started on the laundry pile that’s been “airing out” on the chair for a week.
But why do we procrastinate? It’s not because we’re lazy (even if it sometimes feels that way). The truth is, procrastination is more about how our brains handle tasks than a simple lack of willpower. And the good news? Once you understand the why, you can outsmart yourself and finally get stuff done.
Why We Procrastinate (It’s Not Just Laziness)
Most of the time, we put things off because of one (or more) of these sneaky reasons:
🧠 Fear of Failure – If we don’t start, we can’t mess up, right? Our brains love to avoid discomfort, and nothing is more uncomfortable than the possibility of failing.
😩 Task Overwhelm – Ever stare at a to-do list so long that you just… walk away from it? Big tasks feel impossible, so we avoid them altogether.
😴 Lack of Motivation – If something isn’t urgent or exciting, our brains push it to the “later” pile (which often turns into the never pile).
🎢 We Crave Instant Gratification – Scrolling social media or watching Netflix gives us immediate pleasure. Starting that tough project? Yeah, future you can deal with that.
The key to beating procrastination isn’t just pushing through—it’s tricking your brain into cooperating. Here’s how.
How to Trick Yourself Into Action
1️⃣ The “2-Minute Rule”
Tell yourself you only have to do something for two minutes. That’s it. It’s so short that your brain won’t resist it. And guess what? Once you start, you’ll likely keep going.
Example: “I’ll just fold one shirt.” Boom—you’re now in laundry mode.
2️⃣ Make the Task Smaller
Instead of writing down “Clean the entire house,” break it into tiny steps: “Wipe down the counter,” “Take out the trash,” etc. Checking off small wins builds momentum.
3️⃣ Use a Timer (The Pomodoro Technique)
Set a timer for 25 minutes and only focus on your task. No distractions, no excuses. When the timer goes off, take a short break. You’ll be amazed at how much you get done.
4️⃣ Tie It to Something Fun
Pair your dreaded task with something enjoyable. Hate answering emails? Do it with a fancy latte in hand. Dreading a workout? Blast your favorite playlist.
5️⃣ Use the “Oh Well” Approach
Afraid of failing? Tell yourself, “Oh well, let’s try anyway.” It takes the pressure off and stops perfectionism from paralyzing you.
6️⃣ Make It a Game
Turn your task into a challenge: How fast can I finish this? Can I beat yesterday’s time? Your brain loves a good competition, even if it’s against yourself.
7️⃣ Future You vs. Present You
Ask yourself, “Will future me be happy if I don’t do this?” Spoiler: The answer is almost always no. Future you deserves better, so start now.
Final Thoughts
Procrastination isn’t about laziness—it’s about how our brains react to tasks. The trick isn’t to rely on motivation (because let’s face it, motivation is unreliable). Instead, use these mental hacks to get yourself moving.
So, what’s that one thing you’ve been putting off? Try one of these tricks—your future self will thank you.
Glow & Grow 
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