Most people procrastinate at some point in their lives. We delay starting tasks, avoid difficult work, or wait until the last minute, even when we know this will cause stress later. But procrastination is not simply about being lazy.

Psychologists explain that procrastination is often an emotional response. When a task feels boring, overwhelming, or uncomfortable, our brain looks for short term relief. Checking our phone, cleaning the house, or taking a short break feels easier than facing the task itself.

Another common reason for procrastination is fear. This may include fear of failure, fear of success, or fear of not being good enough. If we do not start, we do not have to face possible mistakes or criticism. Perfectionism can also play a role. Some people delay tasks because they want everything to be perfect, and this pressure makes it hard to begin.

Understanding why we procrastinate is the first step to changing the habit. Instead of blaming ourselves, experts suggest breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting realistic goals, and focusing on progress rather than perfection.

VOCABULARY & TRANSLATION

English                                                                                                                  Catalan                                                                                                                     Spanish

to procrastinate-                                                                                          procrastinar-                                                                                                            procrastinar

overwhelming-                                                                                              aclaparador-                                                                                                           abrumador

short term relief-                                                                                          alleujament temporal-                                                                                     alivio a corto plazo

fear of failure-                                                                                                 por al fracàs                                                                                                            miedo al fracaso

perfectionism                                                                                                  perfeccionisme                                                                                                      perfeccionismo

criticism                                                                                                             crítica                                                                                                                          crítica

realistic goals-                                                                                                objectius realistes-                                                                                              objetivos realistas

 COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. Why do people often procrastinate according to psychologists?
2. What emotions can cause procrastination?
3. How is perfectionism connected to procrastination?
4. What solutions do experts suggest?

✅ TRUE OR FALSE

1. Procrastination only happens because people are lazy.
2. Fear can be a reason for procrastination.
3. Perfectionists usually find it easy to start tasks.
4. Breaking tasks into smaller steps can help reduce procrastination.

GRAMMAR FOCUS - Gerunds and Infinitives

In English, some verbs are followed by a verb ending in ing, while others are followed by to plus the verb.

Verb plus gerund ing
We use this form after certain verbs such as avoid, delay, suggest, enjoy.

Examples from the text:
• We delay starting tasks.
• Some people avoid doing difficult work.
• Experts suggest breaking tasks into smaller steps.

Verb plus infinitive to
Other verbs are followed by to + verb, such as decide, want, hope, plan.

Example:
• Some people want to be perfect.

Tip: There is no simple rule. These forms must often be learned by practice.

GRAMMAR PRACTICE

Choose the correct form.

1. I avoid ___ late at night. (work / to work)
2. She decided ___ the project tomorrow. (start / starting)
3. They suggested ___ a short break. (take / to take)
4. He hopes ___ better next time. (do / doing)

🔤 WORD UNJUMBLE

Unscramble the words taken from the text.

1. ticsricim
2. grwhelmonevi
3. prefrtceoinism
4. sokirtat
5. laeitcsr

 PREPOSITIONS PRACTICE

Choose the correct preposition.

1. Many people procrastinate ___ difficult tasks.
   (on / from / about)
2. She feels stress ___ the deadline approaches.
   (as / in / at)
3. He is afraid ___ making mistakes.
   (of / for / about)
4. They focus ___ progress rather than perfection.
   (on / in / at)
5. We often look ___ distractions when a task feels uncomfortable.
   (for / at / with)

🗣️ DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

 What do you usually procrastinate about?
Do you think procrastination is emotional or practical?
Are you a perfectionist? How does this affect your work?
What strategy from the text could help you most?