The underlying issues
Bernstein (2025) suggests that the term ‘procrastination’ has become a bit of a catch all phrase for when we know what we should be doing but for whatever reason we are not doing it. Bernstein sees procrastination as a signal of one of four underlying issues:
- Lack of Focus: Your mind’s scattered, not just lacking willpower. Calm your mind, and watch your attention sharpen.
- Vague Goals: Fuzzy or uninspiring goals kill motivation. Get crystal clear on what you’re doing and why it matters to you.
- Broken Time Management: It’s not laziness, but poor structure. Learn to plan effectively, and overwhelming tasks become manageable.
- Avoiding Discomfort: Often, you’re just sidestepping fear or discomfort. Learn to sit with it, and move past the avoidance.
Things to ask yourself
The next time you’re “procrastinating,” ask yourself: Am I calm? Are my goals clear? Is my time structured? Am I avoiding discomfort? Address these, and you’ll unlock real solutions. You don’t have a procrastination problem – you have a fixable challenge! And remember, you ca always reach out to tutors or student support services who will likely be able to help with these issues.
Tips for beating procrastination
- Set a “start time” not a “deadline”: Starting actually creates the momentum. Deciding when to start will be more successful than repeatedly watching the deadline get closer.
- Have a weekly review with yourself: Reset and revisit where you are at weekly. This will help you to adjust schedules, track when you work best, and identify your distractions. If you have a family member who is willing to help, involving them in your weekly review may help you to reflect more objectively.
- Let go of the idea of the perfect day: There will never be a perfect day or a perfect time to begin an assignment. Let go of that unrealistic idea and focus on taking small steps whenever you can.
Consider what Donghia (2025) has to say about procrastination: “Waiting for the perfect moment to start or obsessing over every detail can delay progress and even prevent you from finishing tasks. Remember that perfection is often unattainable and unnecessary. Focus on completing tasks to the best of your ability within a reasonable time frame. Starting imperfectly is better than not starting at all, and you can always refine and improve your work later.”
Share your story
I truly want this resource to grow with your input. If you’re a working parent studying in HE, or if you simply resonate with these challenges, I invite you to make contact. Share your story, your unique experiences, the strategies that work for you, and any advice you have for others. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for adult learners.
