The 5 Stages of Procrastination in Essay Writing
Struggling to overcome essay procrastination? You’re not alone. Many students experience a series of predictable stages when putting off their writing tasks. Below, we’ve outlined these stages and included practical tips to help you get past the procrastination hurdle and start writing with focus and purpose.
Stage 1: Denial
At this stage, students convince themselves the deadline isn’t urgent and shift their attention to more enjoyable activities:
"This paper isn’t due until Friday, and it’s only Monday! I have plenty of time. I’ll just binge-watch my favorite Netflix series and deal with the essay later."
For some, this stage can last hours, while for others, it stretches into days, or even weeks, depending on how much entertainment or other distractions are readily available.
How to overcome denial:
Work in a public setting like a library or coffee shop, where distractions are minimal. Leave your headphones and non-essential devices at home to reduce the temptation of online distractions.
Stage 2: Anger
When denial is no longer an option, frustration often sets in. The realization of wasted time can lead to self-directed anger:
"What was I thinking? How did I expect to write a 10,000-word essay overnight? I knew this would happen, but I still let myself get distracted!"
Sometimes this anger extends outward, targeting the professor, friends, or even a beloved pet:
"Fluffy, you’re too cute to ignore! Why must you sit on my laptop when I need to focus?"
How to manage anger:
Consider temporarily handing over access to distracting apps, streaming services, or social media accounts to a trustworthy friend who can change your passwords. This forces you to redirect your energy toward your essay. Plus, if you procrastinate by reading, at least you’ll gain knowledge!
Stage 3: Bargaining
With anger subsiding, students often turn to bargaining in an attempt to motivate themselves:
"Alright, for every five pages I write, I’ll reward myself with one episode of Game of Thrones."
Unfortunately, this strategy often backfires, as self-made deals are easy to break. A common outcome? A few lines written and multiple episodes watched, leaving students wondering where the time went.
How to break free from bargaining:
Hold yourself accountable to someone else, like a study buddy or classmate. When you know someone is counting on you to meet a deadline or share progress, you’re more likely to stay on track.
Stage 4: Despair
When all attempts at logic fail, emotions take over. Frustration turns into hopelessness, and students often spiral into self-doubt:
"Why am I even in school? I clearly can’t write essays, but I sure can binge-watch Netflix. Maybe I’m just not cut out for academic life."
This phase typically involves a good deal of negative self-talk and comfort eating, think an entire pizza or a family-sized bag of chips. Some students might even start questioning every major life decision they’ve ever made, except, of course, their Netflix subscription, which somehow remains untouchable.
At times, despair can morph into full-blown anxiety, leading to stress, tears, a racing heart, or regrettable encounters with their comfort food of choice.
How to overcome despair:
Take a breather. Sip a soothing cup of tea, meditate for five minutes, or play some calming music. Then, shift your focus back to the task at hand. Even small steps, like writing an outline, can help you regain a sense of control.
Stage 5: Acceptance
At last, the emotional storm clears. A sense of calm and practicality replaces panic as the student accepts their situation:
"Okay, this essay might not be my best work, but if I finish and turn it in, at least I’ll avoid a zero."
This phase is often accompanied by a sudden surge of productivity. Despite the chaos of the previous stages, students somehow find the focus to finish their essay and submit it on time. Why this clarity only comes at the last minute remains one of life’s great mysteries.
Why acceptance works:
In this stage, students recognize that progress is better than perfection. By letting go of the pressure to create a flawless piece of work, they can focus on completing the task instead of stressing over it.
