After 40 years of research on procrastination, researcher reveals his findings

The research debunks several common misconceptions, including the belief that starting work at the last minute—that is, under pressure—improves performance.

For 40 years now, psychologist Joseph Ferrari has been studying procrastinators—those he calls “procs,” the pros of “we’ll see about that later”—the very people who deliberately delay the various tasks they need to complete. His research reveals that 20% of the population “suffers” from chronic procrastination, a rate that exceeds that of depression or addiction. “This figure is higher than that for depression, phobias, panic attacks, alcoholism, or drug addiction,” explains the expert.

Drawing on his research, Ferrari debunks certain persistent myths, which he shares in the Washington Post:

• Neither personal characteristics nor the era can serve as excuses

Gender, age, or geography have no influence on procrastination. Similarly, blaming modern technology is unjustified: the days of our farming ancestors, for example, were much busier, and yet they did not put off their tasks. Social status, on the other hand, plays an important role: “If an electrician, a plumber, or a carpenter doesn’t work, they don’t get paid,” says Ferrari. White-collar workers, on the other hand, procrastinate more than manual laborers, since their pay is not directly tied to the actual time they spend working.

• Last-minute efficiency: yet another mirage

Do we work better under pressure? By comparing two groups facing very tight deadlines, the researcher demonstrated that “procrastinators” take longer to complete their tasks and achieve poorer results—even though they’re convinced otherwise.

• Self-sabotage

“Procrastination is a form of self-sabotage.” According to Joseph Ferrari, procrastination is often a symptom of low self-confidence. A lack of time becomes the perfect excuse. If you’re afraid of failing or doubt your own abilities, you create external obstacles that will lend credence to a potential failure. The blame will fall entirely on the schedule. And if, despite everything, you succeed, then you’re seen as a genius.

What solutions are there to break out of the “procrastination cycle”?

Since this is less a matter of poor time management than a genuine psychological issue, the expert recommends cognitive behavioral therapy. Furthermore, he advocates transforming the modern social system by not pointing the finger at those who are late but rather by encouraging and rewarding those who are ahead of schedule. A tax break for people who file their tax returns early? Summer sales starting as early as April? Bonus points for students who turn in their homework early? It’s this last method that Joseph Ferrari, a fan of positive incentives, puts into practice himself with his students. “It means I have fewer papers to grade at the end of the semester,” he says with a smile.