Why do we keep putting things off?

One topic keeps coming up during my coaching sessions, in conversations with friends, and even within my own family — how to stop procrastinating.

With so much productivity advice available, you'd think procrastination would be a thing of the past. So why does it keep coming back like a boomerang?

The truth is, procrastination isn’t just about productivity — it’s about emotions. Putting things off — whether consciously or unconsciously — often stems from an emotional barrier, not a lack of time or discipline.

→ The bad news: Willpower alone isn’t enough

If you're trying to beat procrastination simply by pushing yourself harder — stop. Research by Dr. Tim Pychyl shows that willpower alone isn't sufficient. We need to address the deeper causes behind our avoidance.

→ The good news: You can overcome emotional blocks

It all starts with self-awareness. There are at least five common emotional patterns that fuel procrastination. In this post, I’ll cover the first one — but stay tuned, there’s more to come.

Most importantly: while reading this, take a moment to reflect — what’s YOUR real reason for procrastinating? Identifying it is the first step to breaking free and regaining control.

1. The “Inevitability of Failure” Mindset

Have you ever told yourself, “I’ve failed before, so why would this time be any different?”

If past failures have piled up, you may have subconsciously developed the belief that success just isn’t for you. Over time, that belief creates a mental highway straight to self-doubt and avoidance.

Dr. Martin Seligman, a pioneer of positive psychology, coined the term learned helplessness — the tendency to give up because past failures convinced us that our efforts won’t make a difference. When you procrastinate, it might not be laziness — it could be a defense mechanism.

Breaking the Cycle

The problem? By avoiding failure, you guarantee it. The only way to succeed is to risk trying.

How to challenge this mindset:

• Recognize the pattern. Are you avoiding action because you don’t believe you can succeed? Notice it. Your brain is trying to protect you, but this outdated strategy isn’t helping anymore.

  
  

• Reframe failure — it’s feedback. Instead of seeing failures as proof of incompetence, treat them as valuable lessons. Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

  
  

• Keep taking action. Every attempt — even the smallest one — builds new neural connections. Over time, action becomes easier, and your confidence grows.

  
  

• Seek support if needed. Sometimes, breaking old patterns takes guidance. And that’s okay — just being willing to ask for help is already a step toward change.

  
  

Haven’t discovered your real reason for procrastinating yet? Don’t worry — more to come. 😊This post is the first of five → stay tuned for the next one!