In Episode 24 of Well, That’s Awkward!, Susan and Rachel turn their attention to something almost everyone experiences — procrastination. That quiet (or not-so-quiet) habit of putting things off, even when we know they matter.
But instead of labelling it as laziness or lack of discipline, this episode takes a more honest and compassionate look at what procrastination really is — and what it might be trying to tell us.
What Is Procrastination — Really?
Procrastination is often described as poor time management or avoidance. But in reality, it’s far more complex.
It’s not just about delaying tasks — it’s about delaying feelings.
Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of success, overwhelm, perfectionism, or simply not knowing where to start, procrastination is often a response to internal discomfort rather than external workload.
In the episode, Rachel reflects on the kinds of things she tends to put off — often the ones that carry emotional weight or signal change. Susan, in contrast, questions whether procrastination is always negative, or whether it sometimes serves a purpose.
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Why Do We Procrastinate?
There isn’t a single reason we procrastinate — but there are common patterns that many of us will recognise:
- Fear of getting it wrong
- Perfectionism and pressure to do things “properly”
- Overwhelm and decision fatigue
- Lack of clarity or direction
- Emotional resistance to what the task represents
Procrastination often shows up most strongly when something matters. The bigger the perceived consequence, the harder it can feel to begin.
As Susan and Rachel discuss, it’s rarely about not caring — in fact, it’s often the opposite.
The Impact on Wellbeing
Left unchecked, procrastination can quietly affect our wellbeing.
It creates a lingering sense of guilt, low-level anxiety, and mental clutter — that constant awareness of something unfinished. Over time, this can chip away at confidence and increase stress.
The more we avoid something, the heavier it becomes.
But this is where the conversation takes an interesting turn…
Could Procrastination Be Helping Us?
What if procrastination isn’t always a problem to fix?
What if, sometimes, it’s a pause we actually need?
In Episode 24, Susan raises an important perspective — that procrastination might, in some cases, be protective. It may be slowing us down, giving us time to process, or preventing us from rushing into something before we’re ready.
This doesn’t mean avoidance is always helpful. But it does invite a different question:
Is this procrastination… or is this intuition asking for space?
Working With Procrastination (Not Against It)
Rather than forcing productivity, the episode explores a more mindful approach:
- Noticing what you’re avoiding
- Asking why it feels difficult
- Breaking tasks into smaller, less overwhelming steps
- Letting go of perfection and focusing on progress
- Creating space to reflect before acting
Sometimes, the answer isn’t to push harder — but to understand deeper.
From Boredom to Procrastination: A Bigger Conversation
Following on from Episode 22’s discussion on boredom, this episode continues a wider theme:
That not all uncomfortable feelings are problems to eliminate.
Some — like boredom and procrastination — may actually be part of a natural rhythm. Signals rather than setbacks.
Moments where something beneath the surface is asking for attention.
A Different Way to See It
Procrastination, when viewed differently, becomes less about failure… and more about awareness.
It invites us to slow down, to question, and to understand what’s really driving our actions (or inaction).
Because perhaps the goal isn’t to eliminate procrastination entirely —
but to learn when to move… and when to pause.
🎙️ Listen to Episode 24 of Well, That’s Awkward! to explore procrastination in a way that feels honest, relatable, and refreshingly human.
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