Why do we procrastinate, even when we know it causes more stress?

The Ethical Life

Episode 158: Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte talk about the complex issue of procrastination and its ethical ramifications.

The discussion explores the emotional and psychological reasons behind procrastination, with Kyte explaining how people often minimize the stress of tasks by not thinking about them. Rada shared personal experiences of completing dreaded tasks and realizing they weren't as difficult as anticipated, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from checking items off a to-do list.

The hosts also examine how factors such as anxiety, fear of failure and high personal standards can contribute to procrastination, particularly among students facing big assignments. They consider whether some individuals may actually produce better work under the pressure of tight deadlines.

Rada and Kyte speculate that the rise of instant gratification and digital distractions likely exacerbate procrastination in today's society. However, they also discuss the importance of balancing future planning with present awareness and gratitude.

Finally, the podcast offers strategies to overcome procrastination, such as focusing on tasks that energize the individual and avoiding unnecessary commitments. Rada shares productivity hacks like the "two-minute rule" and the "one-touch rule," while Kyte emphasizes the value of dedicated time for tackling larger projects.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast

Scientists discover what really causes us to procrastinate, by Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, StudyFinds

Why people procrastinate, and how to overcome it, by Javier Granados Samayoa and Russell Fazio, Scientific America

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."