The 'Procrastination' Trap

Ever find yourself endlessly putting things off even though part of you knows you’ll regret it later? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore the Procrastination Trap that so often snags dyslexics, taking a closer look at what procrastination really is and how it connects to our sense of self-confidence.

This talk also digs into why we delay things, how it ties into our identity, and what we can do to get ourselves back on track. If you’ve been wondering why you’re struck with that last-minute desperation, this podcast could clear up some of your burning questions.

The Procrastination Trap

The whole idea of procrastination often starts with a quick thought: “I’ll do this tomorrow.” But that tomorrow turns into days, or even weeks, of avoidance. Dyslexics can get hit harder by this trap because of how our brains process tasks and details.

Sometimes we hold onto stories about ourselves, like “I’m always behind” or “I’m not good enough,” so we delay what needs doing. We forget that procrastination can be a habit that sneaks up on us, feeding off our self-doubt.

“We all fall into this trap now and then, but the secret is catching it before it drags you down.”

Why We Do It

No two people procrastinate for the same reason, but there are often similar threads. Dyslexics sometimes get labelled as disorganised, but that’s only part of the story. Dig deeper, and you’ll find things like:

• Lack of Clarity: When the tasks aren’t clear, we stall.
• Fear of Failure: If we worry we might do it wrong, we avoid doing it at all.
• Overwhelm: It's easier to tune out than face the mountain of work.

These reasons can produce a cycle that’s tough to break. We tell ourselves we’ll get started tomorrow, and then tomorrow becomes someday. At times, that fear of not doing something perfectly can stop us from even trying.

How It Affects Confidence

Procrastination doesn’t just hold back our tasks; it meddles with how we see ourselves. We start thinking: “I can’t trust myself to get stuff done.” That resentment builds up, pulling self-esteem down with it.

When we postpone what needs our attention, our inner critic grows louder. Self-talk like “I’ll never get it right” or “I’m always behind” becomes the norm. The longer we let that voice chatter away, the more our confidence drops.

But here’s the twist: procrastination can sometimes be an unconscious coping strategy. By delaying a task, we buy ourselves short-term relief from anxiety. That hits our reward centre, so we keep doing it, even though it harms us long-term. Once you see this pattern, you can work on real alignment and start rebuilding confidence.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

Beating procrastination isn’t about forcing yourself to push harder. It’s about noticing the patterns and creating a space where you can take small steps forward, even if they’re not perfect. Try these tips:

1. Identify Your Why: Make your reason for doing something larger than the fear of failing.
2. Chunk It Down: Split big tasks into smaller pieces. Focus on one bit at a time.
3. Reward Progress: Each step done is worth a pat on the back. Keep track of even small wins.
4. Use Accountability: Tell a friend or colleague your plan. Checking in with someone else can keep you moving forward.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Changing habits isn’t easy. If you slip, don’t beat yourself up. Start again, no drama needed.

Overcoming chronic procrastination doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a day-by-day work in progress, and that’s OK. The point is building trust in yourself, bit by bit. When you begin to see the results of following through, you realise you’re more capable than you thought.

Key Takeaways

• Procrastination loves to sneak up when you haven’t nailed down why a task matters.
• Fearing failure can trigger delay, especially for dyslexics who may have self-doubt.
• Tackling smaller “chunks” of work is easier than one giant leap.
• Accountability is your friend, whether it’s a peer or a professional.
• A gentle mindset shift can restore the confidence you need to move forward.

If this topic rings true and you’d like to dive deeper, check out the full episode at the top of this page. And if you’re keen to explore procrastination and confidence even further, I’ve got a spot saved for you at our upcoming webinar. You can sign up here: https://go.truthaboutdyslexia.com/webinar. I look forward to seeing you there!