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Why you procrastinate even when it feels bad

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TEDEd Animation

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The report you’ve been putting off is due tomorrow. It’s time to buckle down, open your computer ... and check your phone. Maybe watch your favorite YouTube channel? Or maybe you should just start in the morning? This is the cycle of procrastination. So, why do we procrastinate when we know it’s bad for us? Explore how your body triggers a procrastination response, and how you can break the cycle.

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Researchers have recently determined that rigid self-discipline and strict time management are not the best courses of action for frequent procrastinators. Why is that the case, and what are some other more effective strategies they should try instead?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Fuschia Sirois
  • Director Vitalii Nebelskyi
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Storyboard Artist Yelyzaveta Senkova
  • Animator Volodymyr Boyko
  • Illustrator Yelyzaveta Senkova
  • Art Director Vitalii Nebelskyi
  • Composer Stephen LaRosa
  • Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Producer Anna Bechtol
  • Associate Producer Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

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