Interestingly, those who set big goals and make elaborate plans often struggle the most with procrastination. They’re great at setting deadlines but often fail to follow through. Don’t be too hard on yourself—this isn’t just your problem. It’s a deeply ingrained human tendency.
Studies in brain science show that procrastination is rooted in the battle between the prefrontal cortex, which handles long-term goals and impulse control, and the limbic system, which seeks immediate rewards. When our prefrontal cortex isn’t strong enough or we’re not fully committed to long-term goals, it’s easy to give in to the limbic system’s urge for short-term pleasures.