We’ve all been there—looking at a simple task that would take just five minutes to complete, yet we keep putting it off. Maybe it’s responding to an email, washing the dishes, or organizing a small part of our desk. It seems so easy, but somehow we manage to delay it anyway.
Procrastination can feel frustrating, especially when we know the task is small and manageable. So why do we keep putting off things that only take a few minutes? The reasons are more complex than they appear, and understanding them can help us break the cycle.
1. We Overthink the Task
One reason we procrastinate on small tasks is because we tend to overthink them. Even though they seem simple, we start imagining how we might fail, what could go wrong, or how we’ll feel afterward. These thoughts can make the task seem more daunting than it really is.
Our minds create unnecessary obstacles, which make us hesitate. Instead of diving in and completing the task, we waste time thinking about it, which only makes it harder to start. The trick is to push past those overthought scenarios and realize that most tasks are far less complicated than we make them out to be.
2. We Feel Like We Deserve a Break
Sometimes, procrastination happens because we’re simply tired. Even if the task is small, our brains might be craving rest or a moment of relaxation. In these situations, we feel like we deserve a break more than we deserve to finish that quick task.
It’s easy to justify postponing the task, thinking, “I’ll do it later when I feel more energized.” The problem is, the more we delay, the harder it becomes to get started. A small task can be put off repeatedly because we’re constantly searching for the perfect moment when we feel ready.
3. We’re Overwhelmed by Other Responsibilities
Even small tasks can feel overwhelming when they’re added to a pile of bigger responsibilities. If you have a long to-do list, even a five-minute task might feel like another item in an already crowded day. We might put it off because it feels insignificant compared to more urgent or larger tasks.
In these situations, it’s easier to ignore the small task because we feel like we need to prioritize other things. However, tackling the little things can actually help reduce our stress and create momentum to take on bigger tasks, making it easier to clear our plate.
4. We Get Distracted by Other Things
Our phones, social media, or even daydreaming can be major distractions. In the moment, checking Instagram or texting a friend might feel more rewarding than doing a five-minute task. These distractions create a habit of avoiding tasks, no matter how small they are.
Even though the task might only take a few minutes, distractions make it easier to put it off and focus on something more instantly gratifying. It’s important to realize that distractions can steal precious time, and getting back to the task at hand, even for just a few minutes, can feel far more satisfying in the long run.
5. We’re Avoiding the Feeling of Completion
Believe it or not, some of us procrastinate because we don’t want to face the feeling of finishing a task. Completing something, even a small task, can sometimes bring a sense of pressure or expectation. What’s next? Will there be more work to do right after?
This feeling of “what now?” can cause us to delay finishing tasks, even if they only take a few minutes. The key is to remind ourselves that completing small tasks brings a sense of accomplishment and clears mental space, making room for the next thing.
6. We’re Avoiding Perfectionism
Some people procrastinate because they have high standards for themselves. Even on small tasks, they feel like they need to do everything perfectly. This fear of not doing things “just right” can make them avoid completing the task at all.
In reality, no task has to be perfect. Small jobs are meant to be quick, and getting them done—even imperfectly—helps create a sense of progress. Embracing imperfection can be the key to overcoming procrastination.