Procrastination as „Postponing Important Things Until Tomorrow“

Abstract

The present paper addresses the phenomenon of procrastination, its various forms, its negative impact on human health, and ways to overcome “tomorrowism.” Procrastination refers to an individual’s tendency to continuously postpone tasks they find unpleasant. Although a person may be aware that such delays will result in greater stress later, they still avoid initiating or completing tasks they do not wish to engage in.

Procrastination involves postponing or deferring tasks until the last minute or even beyond their deadline. It is not merely a problem of time management. Researchers suggest that it represents a failure of self-regulation, which leads individuals to act irrationally. We delay tasks despite knowing that such postponement will lead to negative consequences.

A growing body of evidence indicates that when procrastination becomes habitual, the process may have harmful effects on an individual’s physical and psychological well-being.

In this paper, the authors attempt to present the consequences of procrastination in two domains: academic and military. The focus is placed on research conducted among students and on members of the armed forces who, due to certain objective circumstances, must overcome what is commonly referred to as a “transition period.” These two groups are constantly confronted with real challenges: to waste or drift through time, or to fight and overcome “tomorrowism.”

The authors also outline evidence-based methods and tools for overcoming procrastination.