Why a Sense of Urgency Might Not Be the Answer to Procrastination

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Procrastination is a familiar struggle for many of us, and conventional wisdom often prescribes a “sense of urgency” as the cure.

We can push ourselves into action and overcome that inertia. The thinking goes by creating a feeling of immediate necessity.

But does urgency really help or worsen procrastination?

Let’s dive into why a sense of urgency might be less effective than you think, and explore alternative ways to address it.

1. The Feeling of Urgency Can Lead to Stress and Decrease Productivity

When we try to “hack” procrastination by creating urgency, we often push ourselves into a stressed state.

This can backfire, as heightened stress triggers our “fight or flight” response, which isn’t always conducive to productive, focused work.

Alternative: Create a Steady Schedule

A daily or weekly routine helps you chip away at tasks consistently without the need for a last-minute push.

Set a time block around your day for focused work to help you approach productivity at a steady pace.

2. A Sense of Urgency May Disrupt Planning and Quality