Collaborative article: Today’s procrastination is tomorrow’s disappointment.

So let’s get back to some good writing! Let’s talk about how today’s ‘not doing’ or procrastination can lead to tomorrow’s disappointment. We all do it. We think about doing many things and then we postpone it. It can be due to many reasons, such as fatigue, carelessness, laziness, or maybe you’re busy with something else. Whatever the reason may be, things get pushed. Now the problem with procrastinating is that it prevents you from moving forward. Getting things done is a sign of forward movement.

Now I’m not much of a procrastinator. I get things done when they are supposed to be done. But there are some days when I don’t do much, time gets wasted and I feel bad at the end of the day. I have the habit of making the most of each day! Why waste precious time and life energy given to us?

As correctly said by Jaiswal, the root cause of procrastination often lies in the fear of failure and perfectionism — two factors frequently mistaken for laziness. While laziness can play a role, procrastination goes much deeper.

Over time, procrastination can become a lifestyle — a never-ending cycle and an almost unbreakable habit. It seeps into every aspect of life, affecting even the simplest and smallest tasks.

Our brains are wired to strive for perfection, and when we fall short of that ideal, we interpret it as failure. To avoid the discomfort of facing these perceived failures, we instinctively delay tasks. Procrastination becomes a shield, protecting us from the fear of not meeting expectations — but in doing so, it keeps us stuck.

Many people feel a deep sense of disappointment or guilt when they realize they might not finish something today. This feeling stems from the pressure to constantly be productive and the fear of falling behind. It’s easy to spiral into self-criticism, believing that incomplete tasks are a reflection of personal failure. However, this mindset can be counterproductive, leading to more avoidance and procrastination. What’s important to remember is that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Finishing isn’t always the goal — sometimes, simply starting or continuing is enough to move forward. Letting go of the need to complete everything in one day can alleviate the pressure and help build sustainable habits over time.

As contributed by Juwairiah, when we fail to get things done, we inevitably fall behind. This often leads to feelings of inadequacy, making us think we’re less talented or intelligent than those around us. In reality, we’re just stuck, and procrastination is usually to blame.

In the past, procrastination might have meant playing with friends or spending time together. Today, however, it’s far easier to get distracted, thanks to the technological advancements that put endless entertainment in the palm of our hands. Our little screens can do it all: play games, chat, stream movies, or, as many of us experience, trap us in an endless cycle of doom-scrolling.

You open your phone to watch one short video, and before you know it, you’re scrolling through thousands more. Smart algorithms know exactly what to show you to keep you hooked. Hours pass in what feels like moments, whether you’re on YouTube, Instagram, or Snapchat. Distractions are everywhere, abundant and addicting.

While millennials struggle with this, Gen Z — having grown up with technology — has some tools to manage it. The real concern lies with the younger generation: Gen Alpha. These kids are growing up with smartphones as babysitters and YouTube as their closest companion. Often left unmonitored, they watch countless videos, developing curiosity about things they aren’t yet ready to process. This is how the term iPad kids came to be — children glued to their screens, shaped by algorithms rather than human interaction.

Breaking free from procrastination starts with understanding its true causes. It’s not just about laziness — it’s about the fear of failure and the unrealistic demand for perfection. By recognizing this, we can start to rewire our mindset, embrace imperfection, and focus on progress rather than perfection. The key is to take small, manageable steps toward your goals, showing yourself compassion along the way. Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly — it’s about doing something.

Collaborators: Juwairiah — @writer_tilltheend , Jaiswal — @harshitajaiss, Divya — @sierrashine2023