Why We Procrastinate Like It’s an Olympic Sport

Ever had a big task to do but ended up cleaning your entire room instead? That’s procrastination—a brain trick where we prioritize short-term comfort over long-term goals. It’s like your brain saying, “This spreadsheet can wait; alphabetizing the spice rack is way more fun.” Psychologists explain that this happens when a task feels overwhelming or boring. Your brain craves dopamine (the feel-good chemical), so it redirects you to something more immediately rewarding. How to Fix It: • Break big tasks into tiny, manageable steps. Instead of “Finish report,” try “Write one paragraph.” • Reward yourself. Finish that paragraph? Treat yourself to a cookie.