Is it weird to obsess over a looming deadline without actually starting the work?

Not at all. Many people find themselves trapped in a cycle of intense worry and rumination about an impending task, even as they struggle to initiate it. This internal pressure often masks a deeper anxiety about performance or the sheer volume of work, creating a mental block that makes starting feel impossible.

Research suggests that up to 20% of adults identify as chronic procrastinators, frequently experiencing this exact pattern of intense worry without corresponding action.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who obsesses over a looming deadline without acting?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone obsess over a looming deadline without acting?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to obsess over a looming deadline without acting?

Is It Normal?

Why do I obsess over a looming deadline without acting?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

And my dissertation is due in three weeks. …

procrastination shame

I know my parents would just die if they saw the pile of tax papers on my desk and I haven't even touched them in months and I walk past it every day and it just sits there.

procrastination shame

The crickets outside are going absolutely bonkers, probably because it's gonna be another scorcher tomorrow, and all I can think about is this annual review cycle kicking off. …

procrastination shame

I’ve been staring at that little blue folder for three months now, that dissertation file, and every time Professor Chen sends a polite little ping about my progress, a wave of pre-emptive somatic… …

procrastination shame

Anyone else get this physical dread in their stomach when annual reviews start, knowing you have to finally talk to someone you've been avoiding for like, months, about how they're just... …

procrastination shame

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I keep thinking about work but not doing it?▾
Constantly thinking about work without acting can stem from a fear of failure, perfectionism, or feeling overwhelmed by the task's scope. The mental energy spent worrying can paradoxically deplete the motivation needed to begin.
How can I stop overthinking deadlines and just start?▾
Breaking the task into smaller, manageable steps can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Setting a timer for a short, focused work burst (like 15 minutes) can also help overcome the initial inertia and make starting less daunting.
Is it normal to feel paralyzed by a deadline?▾
Yes, feeling paralyzed by a deadline is a common experience, often described as 'analysis paralysis.' The pressure can become so intense that it prevents action rather than spurring it, leading to increased stress and further delay.

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