To better understand Procrastination, one must appreciate motivation. These are connected leadership vocabulary words requiring your focus and attention. It’s not a one-size-fits-all discussion. Enhancing your leadership clarity on Performance, Communication, Negotiation, Blind Spots, Adaptability, Commitment, Resources, Self-Confidence, Resilience, and Tenacity must also be dialed in to address Procrastination effectively.

That is why this is an overarching leadership challenge—or, depending on your approach, your most incredible opportunity. You get to pick, and remember – frustration is a choice! So what will it be?

pro·cras·ti·na·tion

/prəˌkrastəˈnāSH(ə)n/

noun

The action of delaying or postponing something.

Oxford Languages

procrastinated; procrastinating

transitive verb

: to put off intentionally and habitually

Intransitive verb

: to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done

Merriam-Webster

Here are two examples. We like the second one most because of the word intentionally and the phrase “should be done.” For clarity, this means that we know we should be doing it, but for some reason, we are not, and it is intentional. This simple motivation, or lack thereof, matters the most. Overcome this, and we are ready for success and intended results.

When we dilly-dally, postpone, or delay, we make matters more complicated, worse, or worse. We know this to be true, so why do we do it? It’s tricky, but simple!

10 Root Causes of Procrastination (and How They Impact Your Business)

Procrastination is a common behavior that affects humans differently. Think Catalyst Business Triangle: Team, Company, Customer. Here are ten key reasons why people procrastinate:

1. Fear of Failure: Many people avoid tasks because they fear they won’t succeed, delaying starting to avoid potential disappointment.

2. Perfectionism: Wanting everything to be perfect can paralyze action. Perfectionists often wait for the “right” time or ideal conditions, which rarely come.

3. Lack of Motivation: If a task doesn’t feel meaningful or rewarding, it’s easy to put it off. Without clear personal relevance, motivation wanes.

4. Overwhelm: A task that seems too big or complex can feel unmanageable, triggering avoidance.

5. Poor Time Management: Struggling to prioritize or organize time effectively often leads to missed deadlines and last-minute rushes.

6. Low Energy or Fatigue: Physical or mental exhaustion makes initiating and sustaining task efforts harder, leading to Procrastination.

7. Instant Gratification: Choosing short-term pleasures (like scrolling social media) over long-term goals is a classic procrastination trap.

8. Lack of Clarity: When tasks are vague or instructions are unclear, people may delay starting simply because they’re unsure how to begin.

9. Negative Self-Talk: Inner dialogue like “I’m not good at this” or “I’ll never finish” can sap confidence and delay progress.

10. Poor Habits: For some, Procrastination has become a deeply ingrained habit, reinforced over time by avoidance-based coping strategies.

Many leaders attack the symptoms of Procrastination. Understanding the root causes of Procrastination can help leaders develop more effective strategies to overcome it, improve productivity, and reduce stress personally, professionally, and organizationally.

We often justify our poor procrastination behavior and make excuses to make ourselves feel better. Listening to ourselves first, hearing our inner and outer voices, and understanding why we are saying it is the first step to removing this unnecessary delay.

This behavior is a choice with consequences and rewards. Choose your behavior wisely, as it affects team performance, profitability, morale, and customer experience.