The Negative Consequences of Procrastination

Listen to the story on KCUR’s website.

Human beings have always been pain-avoiding creatures. We seek to avoid the things we don’t like or that could bring pain to us, and we pursue the things that bring us pleasure and happiness. Oftentimes, this human practice takes form in procrastination.

However, as we procrastinate, we oftentimes end up bringing more pain upon ourselves. Waiting to write a paper, study for finals, or putting off going to the doctor are all ways we procrastinate that could bring severe consequences. And yet, why do we still do it?

Dr. Bruce Liese, a psychologist and professor of Family Medicine at KU Medical Center, explored this question and gave some insight into some of the causes and effects of procrastination for a recent segment of KCUR-FM’s Central Standard. Liese said that any kind of procrastination is essentially delaying and thus avoiding our obligations. However, many people “get away” with procrastination time and time again, causing a perpetual cycle that reinforces a lack of discipline.

KCUR-FM is a service of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.