Simple Habits to Procrastinate Less
We’ve all been there—one minute, you’re opening your laptop to start an assignment, and the next, you’re deep in a TikTok spiral, discovering a weekend getaway 50 minutes from the city or learning about hidden gems in the 11th arrondissement. Procrastination isn’t just a bad habit; it’s practically a lifestyle. But what if getting things done didn’t have to feel so painful?
What is Procrastination?
We all talk about procrastination, but do we really understand it? Procrastination is the habit of delaying tasks or responsibilities, often out of fear or avoidance. As researchers explain, "a failure in self-regulation leads us to act irrationally," making it difficult to prioritize tasks effectively. Over time, this pattern becomes a cycle, a toxic habit that’s hard to break.
However, procrastination does not just come from delaying tasks; it is often influenced by external factors that affect our energy and motivation. The constant exposure to social media, where people showcase their productivity and achievements, can make it easy to feel anxious or stressed when we see others with endless motivation or accomplishing so much in a single day. The "5 AM morning routine" trend that gained traction on TikTok is an example, which, while inspiring for some, other people felt terrible or were behind. However, we never know what happens in someone else's mind or life. Social media only shows the highlight reel, not the moments of exhaustion, self-doubt or procrastination that everyone experiences.
Everyone struggles with procrastination; the key is understanding what causes it, why it happens, and how to overcome it. We put things off for countless reasons, some personal, some influenced by our environment. While living in Paris, I noticed specific patterns in procrastination that helped me recognize common factors that affect productivity. Here, I’ll share some of the most common reasons we procrastinate and how they impact our ability to get things done.
Factors that contribute to procrastination:
1. Fatigue / Lack of energy: One of the biggest reasons we struggle to complete tasks isn’t just a lack of motivation; it’s a lack of energy. Living in Paris, it’s easy to get caught up in discovering hidden cafés, trying every matcha spot or hopping from one wine bar to the next, all while juggling classes and deadlines. But constantly being on the go takes a toll, and fatigue, stress and burnout quickly drain our motivation. Sometimes, it’s not about not wanting to get things done but simply lacking mental or physical capacity.
2. Fear of failure: Fear is familiar, especially when faced with something new or outside our comfort zone. In a city like Paris, where there’s always an event, an exhibition or a creative project, it’s easy to feel intimidated by the talent around us. AUP is full of competitive minds and ambitious ideas, and when students are pushed to create, present or take risks, the fear of not performing well enough can lead to hesitation. Instead of embracing the challenge, many end up avoiding it altogether.
3. Abstract goals: Big goals are exciting but can also feel overwhelming, especially in a fast-paced, inspiring city like Paris, where there’s always something new to chase. At AUP, we’re surrounded by ambitious minds, setting high expectations for ourselves quickly. But when our goals feel too abstract or out of reach, we procrastinate instead of making progress.
Recognizing these factors is the first step to breaking the cycle of procrastination. But this doesn't mean someone is lazy or incapable; often, it’s about understanding the underlying reasons behind the hesitation and finding ways to work through them. Most of the time, this happens as a reaction to stress, feeling overwhelmed, or not knowing where to start. You can change this habit. Instead of forcing an unrealistic "productivity overhaul," I will focus on small but effective habits. Here are some tips to help you change this habit and make getting things done easier without guilt or pressure.
Simple habits for your daily routine:
1. Prioritize Sleep: Paris is a city that never sleeps, and between late-night spontaneous plans and early-morning classes, rest often takes a backseat. But running on little sleep makes it even harder to focus, stay motivated or feel capable of tackling tasks. Prioritizing sleep, even if it means skipping one night out, can significantly affect your energy levels and ability to get things done without dragging through the day.
2. Don't Be So Hard on Yourself: No one has it all figured out, and feeling like you should be doing more only adds pressure. In college, we are surrounded by talented people, and it's easy to fall into the toxic pattern of comparing our progress to others. Focus on progress, not perfection, and just do what works for you.
3. Break Down Your To-Do List: Checking things off a to-do list provides a sense of accomplishment, making it an effective way to stay motivated. Big projects or assignments can feel overwhelming, which often leads to the temptation to put them off. Instead of looking at the whole picture, break things down into smaller, manageable tasks. Whether finishing one paragraph of an essay, reviewing notes for 15 minutes, or just opening the document, small steps add up.
4. Romanticize Your Day: While Paris is a city full of inspiration, why not use it to make your daily tasks feel less like a chore? Study at your favorite spot, grab a matcha or a sweet treat before starting an insufferable assignment, or simply create a playlist that makes your work feel more enjoyable. Turning small moments into something special can make even the most tedious tasks more bearable.
5. Adjust Your Environment: Sometimes, we procrastinate not because of the task itself but because of the space we're in. Home will always be our safe place, but sometimes, it could also feel too distracting. Try studying in a library, a quiet coffee shop or a visually inspiring study space; TikTok recommends great aesthetic spots, comfortable to study and concentrate. Changing your environment can reset your mindset and make it easier to focus. Plus, Paris has no shortage of cozy corners from which to work.
@eva_antoine #coffeetiktok #coffeeshop #coffeeshopparis #coffeeparis #parisguide #cinnamonroll #latte #studytok #gouter @Helen’s Book ♬ original sound - 𝓝𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓪ଓ
Procrastination is just part of the human experience, especially when there's always something exciting happening around you. But that doesn't mean you're stuck in the cycle forever. Small changes can make a huge difference. Paris will always be there for spontaneous adventures, but so will your goals, and finding a balance between both makes the experience worthwhile. So, start small, romanticize the process and remember: progress over perfection, always.
