By: Claire Christoforo
“I’ll do it later” is something we’ve all said. Whether it’s homework, a paper, or even a quick email, we’ve all fallen into procrastination, and oftentimes it feels like waiting just becomes part of the plan.
It feels harmless at first, but for writers, procrastination affects motivation, creativity, and the writing process. The longer you wait, the less time you have to edit, revise, and strengthen your work. It is a trap, but one we do not have to be stuck in.
To begin, the first reason we fall into procrastination is fear. Fear of failure, ruining a good idea, or not being good enough can paralyze a writer, making it easier to avoid a project than actually face it.
Moving forward, the second reason is perfectionism. Writers often expect their first draft to be perfect, which creates pressure to wait for the “right moment.” Instead of starting now, many find themselves overthinking and doubting the results of their work, which makes it a constant struggle to move forward.
Finally, the last reason is burnout. This occurs when writers are overworked or constantly pressured, and writing becomes a chore instead of a passion. Mental fatigue builds up over time because the brain doesn’t get enough rest to regain creativity. The result is procrastination, not out of laziness, but out of exhaustion.
So how can we beat procrastination? Shifting your mindset is ideal, but when deadlines are close, try these three simple strategies.
The first strategy is setting a 15-minute timer and writing as much as you can. While it may feel scary at first, the fear doesn’t go away by waiting. It usually gets worse. Writing, even when you’re afraid, helps you realize that the anticipation is often worse than the actual work.
The second is to set small, attainable goals to overcome perfectionism. Focus on writing your opening line, your first paragraph, and eventually your first draft. Process matters more than perfection, and small goals allow your work to come together without overwhelming pressure.
The last idea is to write what you love outside of your work. When you’re tired or tempted to put a project off, take a break and write about something that excites you. Focusing on passion instead of pressure helps your brain reset and makes it easier to return to your main project with fresh energy.
Procrastination is something we all experience, but it doesn’t have to keep us from creating. By understanding the causes and using simple strategies, you can break the habit of procrastination and start writing today.