Why Do People Procrastinate?

I have always wondered why some people procrastinate. The truth is procrastination does have a genetic component. Studies show that around 50% of a person’s tendency to procrastinate is genetic, with around 50% due to environmental influences.

In other words, procrastination is both born and made.

To get a deeper understand of why procrastination persists in humans even though it causes so many problems, it’s necessary to take a closer look at the human brain.

There are two main parts to our brain: the limbic system, and the prefrontal cortex. The limbic system is the most ancient, instinct-driven part of our brain. When we feel a powerful urge for food, water, sex, candy, or Animal Crossing, that’s the limbic system at work.

The prefrontal cortex, on the other hand, is the adult part of our brain. The prefrontal cortex controls planning and problem-solving. This is the part of the brain that lets us plan for the future and delay gratification right now, in favor something better tomorrow.

Ideally, the prefrontal cortex should be able to control the impulsiveness of the limbic system, helping us to stay on track with our diets, our workouts, and our career plans. Unfortunately for many of us, the limbic system doesn’t give up easily. When the limbic system wants us to eat, play, or watch Netflix, it’s extremely hard not to give in, close our books, and do something fun.

Of course, throughout human history, such impulsiveness was useful. Thanks to our ancestors who grasped every opportunity they could to eat, drink, and mate, the human race has survived and thrived. Unfortunately, while impulsiveness may have been useful in hunter-gatherer days, today it’s not as helpful.

Fortunately, the human brain is able to learn, grow, and change. Even though procrastination has a powerful genetic aspect, it is also influenced by the environment. In other words, you can make the choice to fight your procrastination and build good habits. For example, I have had multiple clients share that procrastination works for them. Sometimes it feels like a high, somethings it feels addictive, sometimes it feels empowering because you're in control. I am challenging you to make procrastination inconvenient, because when you do that you no longer feel tempted to fall back into it.

With persistence, you can overcome procrastination and achieve your dreams. What can you commit to today to take action in the opposite direction?

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