The cure for procrastination

“I work better under pressure.”

“I can’t work without a tight deadline.”

“One more episode and then I’ll go to bed.”

Do you use any of these lines yourself? Clients often come to therapy frustrated with their procrastination habits. Procrastination is a behavioral problem not easily treated with practical solutions alone because it typically stems from an emotional problem, which is why clients rarely stop without getting to the heart of the issue. "Knowing better” simply isn’t enough.

I’ve found in my work with entrepreneurs and creative professionals that procrastination is especially trying for people who make their own hours and set their own schedule. Days and weeks can often slip by when procrastination gets out of hand. It’s also quite stressful for college students, who end up losing sleep or missing social events as a result of putting papers and projects off until the last minute.

Procrastination is commonly a byproduct of unhelpful thinking patterns and unhealthy emotions. In the November 2019 issue of Counseling Today magazine, I talk about how to treat the underlying causes of procrastination to reduce its frequency, intensity, and duration with cognitive behavioral and rational emotive behavior therapy (CBT & REBT). Check it out here.

If you’re struggling with procrastination and all of the conventional tips and tricks have failed you, I encourage you to consider giving therapy a try. Identifying and treating the root of the issue through evidence-based counseling, like CBT and REBT can give you the tools to make the long-lasting changes you’re really looking for. Schedule your free consultation with a PACT therapist today.