Procrastination Triggers

Author:

  1. Haard Shah
  2. Anshul Arya
  3. Sahil Thakur

Introduction:

Procrastination, a pervasive challenge faced by many, is often prompted by various triggers that hinder timely task completion. A common trigger is the fear of failure, where individuals, apprehensive about not meeting expectations, delay initiating tasks. Perfectionism, with its high standards, can also act as a counterproductive trigger, causing hesitation until conditions seem ideal. Lack of intrinsic motivation, overwhelming workloads, and poor time management are additional triggers, making it difficult to start or progress on tasks. Impaired self-regulation and impulse control contribute to procrastination, as individuals may opt for immediate gratification by avoiding tasks. A lack of clear goals and the pervasive influence of distractions further exacerbate the procrastination cycle. Recognizing and addressing these triggers is essential for individuals seeking to overcome procrastination, fostering improved self-discipline and effective time management in both personal and professional domains.

Literature Review:

The literature on procrastination triggers is multifaceted, drawing from various disciplines such as psychology, behavioral economics, and organizational behavior. A recurrent theme in this body of work is the exploration of psychological factors influencing procrastination. Studies have consistently identified the fear of failure as a significant trigger, investigating its impact on individuals’ motivation to commence and complete tasks. Likewise, the relationship between perfectionism and procrastination has been extensively examined, revealing how the pursuit of perfection can impede task initiation. Further, researchers have delved into the cognitive aspects of self-regulation and impulse control, shedding light on the challenges individuals face in resisting immediate gratification. Environmental and situational factors, including task characteristics and time management skills, have also been explored in the literature. Tasks perceived as overwhelming or ambiguous tend to be more prone to procrastination, and effective time management strategies are considered pivotal in mitigating this tendency. Moreover, the pervasive influence of distractions and interruptions in the modern, technology-driven environment has been a subject of investigation. Interventions and strategies for overcoming procrastination encompass cognitive-behavioral approaches, goal setting, and the incorporation of mindfulness and self-reflection techniques. The literature reflects a dynamic field, with ongoing research continually adding to our understanding of procrastination triggers and effective means of intervention.

Data Collection:

A set of 5 Likert scale questions was created, and a survey was conducted with 100 individuals from the college.

  1. How often you to procrastinate on tasks that you find boring?
  2. Do you tend to procrastinate when the goals or instructions for a task are unclear?
  3. How often do you procrastinate when facing tasks that seem overwhelming or too challenging?
  4. Are you more likely to procrastinate on tasks with distant deadlines?
  5. Do you reward yourself upon completing tasks as a way to overcome procrastination?

 

They were coded as: Strongly Agree-1, Agree-2, Neutral-3, Strongly Disagree-4, Disagree-5

Data Analysis:

  1. MEAN=37 SD= 1.24   SE= 0.12   T-STAT= -5.10
  2. MEAN= 32 SD= 1.13   SE= 0.11   T-STAT= -6.03
  3. MEAN= 06 SD= 1.32   SE= 0.13   T-STAT= -0.46
  4. MEAN= 19 SD= 1.22   SE= 0.12   T-STAT= 1.56
  5. MEAN= 08 SD= 1.43   SE= 0.14   T-STAT= 0.56

 

Conclusion:

  1. How often you to procrastinate on tasks that you find boring?
  • T-stat is -5.10 which is less than –1.96. It means people disagree with the statement.
  1. Do you tend to procrastinate when the goals or instructions for a task are unclear?
  • T-stat is -6.03 which is not between 1.96 and –1.96. It means people aren’t neutral with the statement.
  1. How often do you procrastinate when facing tasks that seem overwhelming or too challenging?
  • T-stat is -0.46 which is more than –1.96. It means people agree with the statement.
  1. Are you more likely to procrastinate on tasks with distant deadlines?
  • T-stat is 1.56 which is between 1.96 and –1.96. It means people are neutral with the statement.
  1. you reward yourself upon completing tasks as a way to overcome procrastination?
  • T-stat is 0.56 which is more than –1.96. It means people agree with the statement.

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