By Ogah Sarah (Mrs)
Ever found yourself scrolling through your phone instead of doing that one important task? You’re not alone. Procrastination isn’t about laziness, it’s about how your brain works.
What’s going on in your brain?
Two main players are involved:
● The limbic system, which controls emotions.
● The prefrontal cortex, which handles decision-making and self-control.
When a task feels stressful or boring, your limbic system sounds the alarm, “This feels bad!” To protect you, your brain pushes you toward something that feels better, like watching videos or chatting with friends. This is called emotional avoidance.
So your brain isn’t lazy — it’s just choosing comfort over discomfort.
The hidden triggers of procrastination
Procrastination often hides behind thoughts like:
“If I fail, I’ll look stupid.” (Fear of failure)
“If I can’t do it perfectly, why start?” (Perfectionism)
“This is too much.” (Overwhelm)
These thoughts create stress, and your brain’s quick fix is avoidance.
The “I Work Better Under Pressure” Myth
Many say they “work better under pressure,” but research says otherwise. Last-minute work might bring an adrenaline rush, but it usually leads to lower performance, higher stress, and burnout.
How to outsmart procrastination
Here’s how to help your brain help you:
Break tasks down. Instead of “study for exams,” say “review Biology for 15 minutes.”
Try the Pomodoro method. Work for 25 minutes, rest for 5.
Tidy your space. A cluttered space distracts your brain.
Reward progress. Treat yourself after completing a task.
Reframe your thoughts. Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’ll start small.”
● Be kind to yourself. You don’t beat procrastination with guilt — but with self-compassion.
You’re not lazy; you’re human
Procrastination isn’t a flaw. It’s a sign that your brain is overwhelmed or afraid. But every small step rewires it for better habits. Start now, even if it’s just two minutes. Your future self will thank you.
Ogah Sarah (Mrs), is an Educator at Lagooz schools
