Procrastination Games We’ve All Played (And How to Beat Them)

Procrastination Game #1:

The “I’ll start right after…” Spiral

What it looks like:
You sit down to start your reading, but first—just a quick peek at your email. And maybe your messages. And you haven’t checked your bank account today. And wait, is that a new episode of your favorite show?

How to beat it:
Try the 5-Minute Rule. Tell yourself you only have to study for five minutes. That tiny start often leads to momentum—and once you’ve begun, it’s easier to keep going.

Procrastination Game #2:

Productive Procrastination

What it looks like:
You avoid your paper by suddenly deciding to clean your entire kitchen, alphabetize your bookshelf, or reorganize your cloud storage. You feel productive… but that paper’s still waiting.

How to beat it:
Use this urge to your advantage by creating a “Procrastination Power List.” Write down a few simple tasks you’re tempted to do instead of studying (cleaning, errands, etc.), and schedule them as breaks after your study session. You’ll still get them done—just on your terms.

Procrastination Game #3:

Phone Fixation

What it looks like:
You reach for your phone between flashcards. Just one scroll. Just one video. Three hours later, you know way too much about penguin migration patterns but forgot what your reading assignment was.

How to beat it:
Activate “Do Not Disturb” mode, or use a focus app to limit distractions. You can even physically move your phone across the room while studying. Out of sight, out of scroll.

Procrastination Game #4:

“I Work Better Under Pressure”

What it looks like:
You intentionally wait until the last possible moment to start something, convincing yourself you thrive on the adrenaline rush.

How to beat it:
The pressure might work sometimes, but it also brings stress. Try setting artificial deadlines—move your due date up by a day or even a few hours. Trick your brain into thinking the deadline is sooner, and give yourself breathing room in case life happens (because it always does). Not to mention, tricking yourself into a couple extra hours of wiggle room before an assignment is due means you can finesse your work; get that Turnitin score as low as possible, triple-check the assignment instructions and rubric, and then give yourself a treat!

Procrastination Game #5:

“I Don’t Know Where to Start”

What it looks like:
You stare at your screen, paralyzed. The task feels too big. So you decide to do… nothing.

How to beat it:
Break the task into tiny steps. Not “Write essay,” but “Open a document,” “Write a title,” “Brainstorm 3 main points.” Completing small steps creates a sense of progress that helps you build confidence and momentum.

When It’s Not Procrastination—It’s Overload

Let’s also talk about something important:
Not all delays come from procrastination. Sometimes, you’re not avoiding schoolwork—you’re just juggling a lot.

If you’re balancing work, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws your way, it’s no wonder school tasks sometimes get pushed aside. That’s not laziness—it’s life.

But here’s the thing: your education matters, too. You started this journey for a reason—whether it’s to advance your career, set an example for your family, or achieve a personal goal. That reason still counts, even when things get hectic. Make sure to schedule your study time just like everything else that needs to get done. Give yourself grace. Progress may be slower than you’d like, but you’re showing up, and that’s what counts. Keep your eyes on the long game.

This journey is yours, and your goals are worth protecting.
You don’t have to be perfect—just persistent.