Twisha Niburani

Procrastination is against your long-term interests and is often "more painful" than the job you are avoiding. However, despite these negative effects, many people continue to procrastinate. Why? Behavioral science locates the root cause of procrastination in "time inconsistency." When you think like your "future self," you will prioritize actions that lead to long-term goals, but your "present self" is more inclined to prioritize. Consider your immediate wish. For example, your future self may save for retirement, but because that's decades later, your current self decides to buy those brand new shoes. The fight between your present and future interests will only end when the consequences affect you here and now.