We’ve done it time and time again: scrolled through cute cat videos when we “should” be working on a term paper, or played games when we’re “supposed” to be cleaning the house. Or maybe we’re watching a video or reading an article (like this one!) about how to cure our persistent tendency to procrastinate…when we were “supposed” to be working.

As a consequence, we may push the task off again and again, then rush to complete the task just before it’s due. We may also call ourselves “lazy” and shame ourselves for not completing a task early or in a timely manner. And, when we continue to procrastinate, rush to complete, and shame ourselves, we fall back into the cycle of procrastination, and it can be difficult, even overwhelming, to break free from the habit and actually feel accomplished with the tasks we have completed.

In this article, we’re breaking down the stigma of procrastination.