In a world of procrastination: Do we believe everything we hear about procrastination?

How many times have you described yourself as lazy? Or said, "I only create under pressure," or "I'll get started when I feel motivated"?
Procrastination is not postponement, but a complex behavior linked to false ideas and beliefs that we believe and base our decisions on.
In this article, we'll debunk five common myths about procrastination, review what psychological research says about them, and what we can change in our behavior if we abandon these ideas. Each myth we discuss is a key to a deeper understanding of ourselves and an opportunity to free our minds from the thinking patterns that hold us back. Get ready to completely change your outlook on procrastination.

Myth 1: I'm lazy... and that's why I procrastinate everything.

Many people think procrastination is a result of laziness, but psychological studies show that it's more related to emotional regulation, not a lack of motivation. A procrastinator is someone who wants to accomplish something but is escaping the anxiety or pressure associated with the task. This escaping is procrastination, not laziness. When you avoid a task because you're afraid of failing, you're not lacking motivation; you're simply experiencing uncomfortable feelings. Self-flagellation exacerbates the problem of procrastination rather than solving it, because you're preoccupied with guilt instead of action. Note that many procrastinators perform tasks efficiently under pressure—if they were lazy, they wouldn't get anything done. The difference is that they need emotional regulation tools, not additional motivators. Unfortunately, society equates productivity with self-worth, and this exacerbates the problem. But the truth? Procrastination isn't a weakness; it's a pattern that can be understood and changed .

Myth 2: I work better under pressure.

This statement sounds brave, but it's actually a defensive tactic to justify procrastination. Scientific studies show that working under pressure reduces productivity and exhausts the mind and body. When you work at the last minute, your body operates in " emergency " mode, not deep concentration. You may complete the task, but you lose creativity, rest, and precision. For example, a student who writes their research paper on the last night may excel, but their research lacks reflection and development. This pattern is repeated daily and exhausts the psyche in the long run. We live in a culture that glorifies momentary achievement, but science confirms: true achievement is born from organization and calm, not stress and chaos.

Myth 3: I'll start when I feel motivated.

Some people think that enthusiasm is the primary driver of getting started, but research shows that enthusiasm follows action, not precedes it. That is, you'll feel motivated after you start, not before. Waiting until you " feel " ready only leads to further procrastination. A simple act—even for a few minutes—breaks the ice and ignites motivation from within. In one study, participants who got started despite feeling hesitant noticed a shift in mood and motivation shortly after starting. Getting started itself was motivating. Don't wait for the perfect feeling; create an environment that facilitates taking the first step, and the feelings will come later. Change begins with action, not inspiration.

Myth 4: If I had more time, I would get everything done.

We often blame the lack of time, when the real problem lies in how we use it. A study from Princeton University showed that allowing more time didn't reduce procrastination—in fact, it increased it! When we feel we have plenty of time, we reduce the internal urge to get started, so we continue to postpone. It's not the amount of time that makes achievement, but the clarity and control of tasks. How many times have you been on a long vacation and not accomplished what you planned? The problem wasn't time, but a lack of structure and a sense of urgency. The solution isn't " more time ," but rather managing attention, setting beginnings and ends, and activating a clear intention to work. Focus is more important than the available hours.

Myth 5: This is my nature... I can't change.

Some people believe that procrastination is an unchangeable part of their personality, but neuroscience confirms otherwise. The brain is neuroplastic and can form new habits at any age. Procrastinators aren't prisoners of their nature, but rather of repetitive behavior. Change begins with simple steps, such as breaking down tasks or starting work in just five minutes, which has proven effective in numerous studies. For example, one intervention program asked participants to monitor procrastination and apply the " start small " rule. The results: a significant decrease in procrastination levels and an increase in achievement. Your personality isn't an obstacle. Every acquired habit can be replaced with a better one. The important thing is to believe this and start without waiting for a complete transformation.

Freeing ourselves from myths sets us free... and the beginning is healing.

Procrastination doesn't define you, but it does tell you something about you: about your feelings, your fears, and how you manage life's stresses. The myths we believe about ourselves limit us and prevent us from changing. But every myth that is debunked opens a door to growth. Let go of the belief that you are " lazy " or " I can't be changed ," and start today with one small step. Allow yourself to fail, to be late, to try again. Because the beginning is not in the results, but in an inner decision that says: " I deserve better ."

“Procrastination is the graveyard of possibilities. Beginning, however small, is a new birth.” — Anonymous

To learn the scientific facts about procrastination and how to deal with it, buy the book Solving the Procrastination Puzzle now.