PhD Procrastination: If you’re putting off dissertation tasks, here’s why! It’s not just about motivation!

PhD students all procrastinate from time to time, putting off important dissertation tasks, that’s a fact!

But, why?

Motivation is important, but it’s not everything.

There are a whole load of other factors beneath the surface you need to be aware of, because if you’re not, none of the strategies or tactics out there will help you beat procrastination.

In this blogpost, I draw on my 20 years experience supporting PhD students to reveal the real reason behind dissertation procrastination.

Hello, procrastination!

Procrastination, the perennial companion of every PhD student, is an intricate dance between the mind and the impending tasks that seem to linger like distant shadows.

We all kick tasks into the long grass, putting them off until tomorrow, next week, next month.

It's a universal experience, a struggle that transcends disciplines and backgrounds. Yet, the roots of procrastination delve deeper than the mere lack of motivation; they intertwine with an emotion we all share—the fear of change.

The “fear”

In the demanding landscape of a PhD, procrastination becomes more than a mere postponement of tasks.

It becomes a coping mechanism, a shield against the unsettling changes that accompany the journey towards a doctoral degree.

It's a fear that simmers beneath the surface, often unnoticed, but profoundly impactful on our motivation.

As we navigate the intricate path of a PhD, one significant fear emerges—the fear of change.

The transformations that unfold as we progress through our PhD programs are not just academic; they seep into the very fabric of how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us.

The shift from being a student to a doctor, marked by those coveted three letters, comes with a set of expectations and societal perceptions that can be overwhelming.

Great expectations

Being part of the 1% with a PhD title (Sarrico, 2022) implies not just academic expertise but a societal shift in how others view us. People anticipate competence, intelligence, and expertise.

This shift in perception can be daunting, triggering a subconscious fear of not meeting expectations.

The desire to fit in, to be accepted, clashes with the newfound status that sets us apart from the 99% who don't hold a PhD.

This fear manifests in procrastination—a way to delay the inevitable change in our identity.

Even within our inner circles, the dynamics change. Families, friends, and communities may express pride in our academic achievements, but this pride comes with a subtle shift in how we relate to them.

We might feel like outsiders, unable to bridge the gap between our academic pursuits and their understanding. The fear of not being truly understood or accepted can further contribute to the procrastination cycle.

Goodbye, student you!

Moreover, the journey towards a PhD marks the end of the student status. The completion of the academic tree, collecting certificates along the way, signifies the attainment of the pinnacle.

Yet, this transition can be scary. It beckons us to step into the realm of adulthood, away from the safety of being a perpetual student.

The end of the academic journey might bring forth a reluctance to embrace the responsibilities and expectations that come with being a fully-fledged academic.

The relationship with our supervisors also plays a pivotal role. Some students find themselves in an adult-to-adult relationship, while others, like myself, experience a more parent-child dynamic.

This can influence how we perceive the end of the PhD process. It might make bidding farewell to the academic nest and standing on our own feet appear more challenging and intimidating.

So much more than motivation

In essence, procrastination becomes a shield against the uncertainties that follow the completion of a PhD.

It's not merely a lack of motivation; it's a symptom of underlying fears that demand introspection.

Understanding this fear is crucial in overcoming procrastination effectively.

To address procrastination, you need to delve into the core of these fears, acknowledging and confronting them. Awareness becomes the key—a conscious recognition of why we might be stalling on specific aspects of our thesis or delaying progress.

The fear of change, once identified, can be a powerful tool in dismantling the barriers procrastination erects.

Recognizing that procrastination is not just about the task at hand but a manifestation of deeper fears allows us to tailor solutions that are inherently personal.

It's about acknowledging the nature of the fear, understanding its origins, and pinpointing the specific aspects that trigger apprehension.

Moving forward

Next time procrastination strikes, take a moment for introspection. Ask yourself about the changes that frighten you, the expectations that feel burdensome, and the fears that lurk beneath the surface.

By unraveling the layers of procrastination, rooted in the universal fear of change, you pave the way for a more mindful and effective approach to your PhD journey.

In conclusion, the journey toward a PhD is not just an academic endeavor; it's a profound transformation that instills fear. Procrastination becomes the silent companion, a defense mechanism against the uncertainties that lie beyond. Embracing this fear, understanding it, and using it as a tool for self-discovery can pave the way for a more purposeful and less procrastination-laden PhD journey.

Need more help tackling procrastination?

Then check out my Procrastination First Aid Worksheet. It’s free and it will help you identify what’s holding you back, break down that task and keep you on track! Click the “download” button below to grab yours!

Sarrico, C. S. (2022). The expansion of doctoral education and the changing nature and purpose of the doctorate. Higher Education, 84(6), 1299-1315.