Delaying tasks despite knowing it will hurt you later – that’s procrastination. While it’s a common struggle, particularly in early adulthood, new research suggests it naturally decreases as people age. A long-term study in Germany tracked over 3,000 high school graduates for nearly two decades, revealing that procrastination tends to subside with time. However, the study also confirms that chronic procrastination can have lasting negative effects on career, relationships, and overall well-being.
The Long-Term Consequences of Delay
Researchers found that young adults who habitually procrastinated faced significant disadvantages later in life. They entered the workforce later, received fewer promotions, were less likely to be in stable relationships or have children, and reported lower life satisfaction. The pressure of real-world consequences – like job security – appears to be a key factor in prompting change.
Why does this matter? Because procrastination isn’t just about laziness; it’s a pattern that can derail life trajectories. The study highlights that the formative years of early adulthood are critical. Failure to address procrastination during this period can have repercussions almost two decades later.
Why Procrastination Changes Over Time
The decline in procrastination with age mirrors the evolution of core personality traits. Individuals high in conscientiousness naturally procrastinate less, while those with higher neuroticism tend to delay more. As people mature, conscientiousness generally increases, and neuroticism decreases, leading to a natural reduction in procrastination.
However, unlike fixed personality traits, procrastination seems more malleable. External factors – like supportive environments or personal setbacks (such as a hefty dental bill) – can significantly influence whether someone breaks the cycle or continues to fall behind.
What Can Be Done?
Experts agree that interventions to reduce procrastination are possible, but their long-term effectiveness remains unclear. Proven strategies include goal setting, time management techniques, boosting motivation, and minimizing distractions. The key takeaway? Procrastination isn’t an immutable flaw; it’s a behavior that can be modified with effort.
While change isn’t automatic, the study offers a hopeful message: procrastination tends to decline with age, though the process requires conscious effort and a willingness to confront the consequences of delay.
Ultimately, as one researcher wryly notes, sometimes it takes a painful experience – like a long-overdue dentist visit – to kick procrastination for good.
