The first stage of procrastination is often postponing at task.
Many people wait until the last minute to start a school assignment, study for a test, or clean their room.
Often procrastination begins with a simple thought.
“I’ll do this later.”
“Procrastination is the death of progress, and it’s a difficult habit to break,” Aiden White, senior, said. ” If you can break that habit, you will be much better off.”
At first, it doesn’t seem like a big deal. There’s still plenty of time.
Many convince themselves that they will start after dinner, after one more episode of TV, or after checking your phone for just a minute. Before you know it, hours have passed, and the work still isn’t done.
“Procrastination leads to intimidation,” Sanaa Badgett, sophomore, said. “Postponing it makes you overwhelmed and unable to complete it.”
The first stage can be confusing because it often feels harmless.
The person may even be calm, thinking he’s just taking a break or waiting for motivation to hit. But the longer the wait, the more the pressure builds.
Experts say procrastination usually starts with avoiding discomfort. Whether it’s fear of failure, lack of interest, or simply being tired. Over time, that small delay can turn into stress, guilt, and late nights.
Still, recognizing the first stage is the key to stopping the cycle early. Setting small goals, staying organized, and starting something, even a small task, can make it easier to move forward.
Procrastination might begin quietly, but catching yourself in that first stage can make the difference between a stressful all nighter and a confident finish.
