In the fast-paced 21st century, the essence of time is more crucial than ever. The clock races forward like an eternally running horse, while many of us struggle to find our place in this marathon—especially those who exhibit boomerang behavior like procrastination.

Even though we know procrastination will lead to increased stress later, we often give in to the temptation of postponing tasks we dislike. The act of delaying a task until the very last minute or the deadline is known as procrastination. While some may dismiss it as a mere time management issue, the reality is far more complex, as it stems from an individual's inability to self-regulate. Furthermore, recent research suggests that procrastination has become increasingly common among students in the post-pandemic era.

"The act of delaying a task until the very last minute

 or the deadline is known as procrastination."

Reasons

One of the key underlying causes of procrastination is a false sense of security, which often leads to underestimating the difficulty or importance of a task. Additionally, counterproductive beliefs—such as the idea that we must feel completely motivated to complete a task—cause individuals to wait for the "perfect moment," which rarely arrives.

Moreover, procrastination is common among those who prioritize immediate gratification over long-term accountability. Mental health conditions like depression, which drains enthusiasm and energy, and anxiety, which fosters self-doubt and indecisiveness, also contribute significantly to procrastination.

Tips to Overcome Procrastination

1. It is common for otherwise functional individuals to develop procrastination overnight due to emotional struggles like intense sadness (depression) or fear of failure (anxiety). However, emotions are like passing clouds—they may be intense for a while but eventually fade. During these difficult emotional periods, seeking therapy or counseling from platforms like Moner Bondhu can be beneficial. A therapist can help navigate sudden life transitions and improve emotional regulation.
2. To combat procrastination, one should begin tasks without overthinking perfection or the end result. It's essential to set aside concerns about how long a task will take and instead focus on making small progress. If you feel overwhelmed, you can pause, but at this moment, your motto should be: just start.

Finally, some effective techniques, such as maintaining a to-do list with clear deadlines, breaking complex tasks into smaller segments, and rewarding yourself upon completing each step, can help transform your just start mindset into consistent progress in life.