The Surprising Reason You Procrastinate — and How to Fix It

Ben H
3 min readFeb 24, 2023

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Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash

Procrastination is a common problem that many people face, regardless of their age, gender, or occupation. It is the act of delaying or postponing tasks that require immediate attention, leading to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and stress. While procrastination can occur for many reasons, one of the lesser-known causes is the fear of free time later.

Many people are used to leading busy lives, juggling work, family, and social commitments. When faced with a moment of free time, they may not know how to fill it or fear that they will waste it. This fear can cause them to procrastinate on important tasks that they know they should be doing, such as studying for an exam, completing a work project, or even doing household chores.

One of the main reasons people fear free time is because they may not know how to use it effectively. They may worry that they will spend too much time watching TV, scrolling through social media, or engaging in other unproductive activities. This fear can cause them to delay the work they should be doing to fill their time with what they perceive as more enjoyable activities.

Another reason why people may procrastinate due to the fear of free time is that they may not feel comfortable being alone with their thoughts. For some individuals, being alone with their thoughts can be uncomfortable or even scary. They may use procrastination as a way to avoid this discomfort, as it allows them to distract themselves with other activities.

In addition, some people may have a fear of missing out on social activities if they spend too much time on their work or personal responsibilities. They may feel pressure to constantly be socializing and engaging in activities, even if it means putting off important tasks.

So, how can you overcome the fear of free time and avoid procrastination? First, it’s important to recognize that free time can be a valuable and necessary part of your life. It can provide you with opportunities for rest, relaxation, and personal growth. Rather than fearing free time, embrace it as a chance to recharge and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Additionally, consider creating a schedule or to-do list to help you manage your time more effectively. This can help you stay on track and ensure that you’re using your time in a productive way. You can also try setting aside specific blocks of time for both work and leisure activities, so that you feel more in control of your schedule.

Finally, if you struggle with being alone with your thoughts, try incorporating meditation or mindfulness practices into your daily routine. This can help you feel more comfortable with quiet moments of reflection, and can even improve your focus and productivity.

In conclusion, procrastination is a common problem that can be caused by many factors, including the fear of free time. By recognizing this fear and taking steps to overcome it, you can reduce your tendency to procrastinate and live a more productive and fulfilling life.

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Ben H
Ben H

Written by Ben H

Exploring the intersection of Peace Building,Emotional Health, Nonviolent Communication, Personal Growth, Spirituality, Artificial Intelligence and Technology.

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