Why do I make excuses to avoid starting important work?

Making excuses to delay important tasks is a common human tendency, often stemming from underlying anxieties about performance, fear of failure, or even the overwhelming nature of the task itself. It's not a sign of laziness, but rather a coping mechanism to protect ourselves from potential discomfort or perceived inadequacy. Understanding these root causes can help shift your approach.

Research from the University of Calgary suggests that over 20% of adults identify as chronic procrastinators, often using excuses to delay significant tasks.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who makes excuses to avoid starting important work?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone make excuses to avoid starting important work?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to make excuses to avoid starting important work?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to make excuses to avoid starting important work?

Is It Weird?

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. …

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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… …

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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

What is the psychology behind making excuses?▾
The psychology behind making excuses often involves protecting one's self-esteem. We might create excuses to shield ourselves from the potential disappointment of not meeting expectations, or to avoid the discomfort of a challenging task. It's a way the mind tries to manage stress and perceived threats.
How can I stop making excuses and just start?▾
To stop making excuses and start, try breaking down the task into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on the very first action you can take, no matter how small. Also, identify your triggers for procrastination and develop strategies to address them directly, such as setting a specific start time or removing distractions.
Is making excuses a sign of perfectionism?▾
Yes, making excuses can often be a strong indicator of perfectionism. When we fear our work won't be perfect, we might delay starting it altogether to avoid the perceived failure or critical judgment, either from ourselves or others. The pressure to achieve an ideal outcome can be paralyzing.

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