Episode 10: How to stop procrastinating

Can psychology help us avoid procrastinating and get on with the important things we know we should be doing?

Our presenter Christian Jarrett hears about what causes procrastination, how to stop it, and whether it has any upsides. Also, we put the psychologists on the spot and ask whether they've managed to cure their own procrastination.

Our guests are the world experts in the psychology of procrastination Professor Tim Pychyl at Carleton University and Dr Fuschia Sirois at the University of Sheffield.

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Studies discussed or alluded to in the episode:

• A critique of the construct validity of active procrastination
• I forgive myself, now I can study: How self-forgiveness for procrastinating can reduce future procrastination
• Procrastination and Stress: Exploring the Role of Self-compassion
• Procrastination and the Priority of Short-Term Mood Regulation: Consequences for Future Self

Episode credits:

Presented and produced by Dr Christian Jarrett.

Mixing and editing Jeff Knowler.

Vox pops Ella Rhodes.

PsychCrunch theme music Catherine Loveday and Jeff Knowler.

Additional music Zander Sehkri/Zeroday Productions (via Pond5).

Artwork Tim Grimshaw.