Did you know that about 80% to 95% of students procrastinate? Procrastination is a challenge that many college and university students face. Whether it’s delaying assignments, postponing study sessions, or making vague promises to start tasks later, procrastination can seriously impact your academic performance and personal growth. 

But don’t worry! This post explores 30+ procrastination quotes in, offering practical insights to help you overcome this common hurdle and boost your productivity.

We’ll dive into a collection of procrastination quotes, from funny ones that’ll make you laugh to profound insights from the wisest. We’ll also look at key sayings, vague promises of procrastinators, and valuable books on procrastination. 

The Benefits of Procrastination Quotes

Quotes have a remarkable ability to resonate with us, often providing that needed spark of motivation. For students struggling with procrastination, these quotations about procrastination can serve as powerful tools for reflection and action. Here’s how these quotations about procrastination can help you:

• Motivation: Inspiring quotes can reignite your drive to tackle tasks and get things done.
• Perspective: Quotes can offer fresh viewpoints on procrastination and productivity.
• Humor: Sometimes, a good laugh can provide the mental shift needed to overcome procrastination.

Funny Procrastination Quotes

Humor is a great way to deal with many things including procrastination. These funny procrastination quotes can not only bring a smile to your face but also offer an indirect nudge to get started on your tasks:

1. “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” – Douglas Adams

Adams humorously captures the essence of procrastination, highlighting how deadlines often come and go unnoticed. 

You might think the assignment is due a few months from now so there’s still time. But you’d be surprised at how soon those months will fly by, before you know it, you’re left with just a few days or hours.

2. “I’m very good at procrastinating. I get everything done eventually, just not on time.” – Unknown

This quote humorously acknowledges the common experience of procrastinators who eventually complete their tasks, albeit late. However, as a student you know the penalties that often come with late submissions, or rushed exam preparations – Not Cool!

3. “The best way to get something done is to begin.” – Unknown

A reminder that taking the first step is crucial, even if it feels daunting.

4. “My will to procrastinate is stronger than my will to succeed.” – Unknown

This quote playfully highlights how procrastination can often overpower our drive to achieve success.

5. “I’ll do it later, because I’m too busy procrastinating now.” – Unknown

A funny take on how procrastination itself becomes a full-time job.

6. “I’m not procrastinating, I’m strategically delaying.” – Unknown

This quote offers a humorous justification for putting things off, framing it as a deliberate strategy.

7. “Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” – Unknown

A classic procrastinator’s mantra, illustrating the habit of delaying tasks. Tomorrow’s always a great time until tomorrow becomes today and you realize you’ve got a thousand things to do.

8. “My procrastination is a serious illness. It’s called ‘I’ll do it later-itis.’” – Unknown

A lighthearted way to describe the chronic nature of procrastination.

Some Procrastination Sayings

Procrastination sayings are procrastination quotes that encapsulate the essence of putting things off, often offering practical advice or reflection. Here are some insightful sayings to ponder:

9. “The greatest amount of wasted time is the time not getting started.” – Dawson Trotman

This saying emphasizes that the biggest loss comes from not starting tasks, rather than the time spent completing them.

10. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe

Ashe’s advice encourages action and resourcefulness, no matter your starting point.

11. “The only difference between a successful person and an unsuccessful person is the ability to take action.” – Unknown

This saying highlights that success often boils down to taking decisive action rather than procrastinating.

12. “You may delay, but time will not.” – Benjamin Franklin

Franklin’s wisdom reminds us that time keeps moving, regardless of our procrastination. The exam season will continue to draw nearer, the deadline will continue to approach, even if you take action or not.

13. “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” – Napoleon Hill

Hill emphasizes that waiting for the “perfect” moment often results in perpetual delay.

14. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

Disney’s quote advocates for action over procrastination and idle talk.

15. “A year from now you may wish you had started today.” – Karen Lamb

Lamb’s quote urges immediate action by highlighting future regret over inaction. Practice future visualization. Picture yourself in a future where you are filled with regrets for things you put off doing today.

16. “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” – Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson’s timeless advice advocates for taking immediate action rather than postponing tasks.

17. “Procrastination is opportunity’s assassin.” – Victor Kiam

Kiam’s quote warns that procrastination can destroy potential opportunities.

More Procrastination Quotes

18. “The sooner you start, the sooner you finish.” – Unknown

A straightforward reminder that beginning a task promptly will lead to its quicker completion.

19. “Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso

Picasso underscores that taking action is essential for achieving success, countering procrastination.

20. “Time waits for no one.” – Folklore

A universal saying that emphasizes the inevitability of time’s progression and the importance of acting promptly.

21. “The only time to be positive is when you’re positive you’re going to be late.” – Unknown

This humorous quote highlights the irony of procrastination and its consequences.

22. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

Gretzky’s quote serves as a metaphor for procrastination, stressing that inaction leads to missed opportunities.

23. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

Ziglar encourages starting even if you’re not perfect, as progress comes through action.

24. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb

This proverb emphasizes that the next best moment to act is immediately, regardless of past delays.

25. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

Twain’s quote highlights that initiating action is the key to progress and success.

26. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu’s wisdom reminds us that every significant endeavor starts with one small action.

27. “Well done is better than well said.” – Benjamin Franklin

Franklin emphasizes the importance of taking action over merely talking about plans.

28. “Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” – Don Marquis

Marquis’s quote humorously points out that procrastination is like trying to catch up with tasks from the past.

29. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson

Levenson encourages continuous effort and action, rather than fixating on the passage of time.

30. “Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.” – Unknown

This saying highlights how procrastination can lead to lost opportunities and missed chances.

31. “It’s not that we spend five days looking forward to just two. It’s that most people don’t care about their lives enough to enjoy them any more than that.” – James R. Adams

Adams’s quote critiques the tendency to live for the weekend rather than enjoying each day, often resulting in procrastination of meaningful activities.

32. “Don’t wait. The time will never be right.” – Napoleon Hill

This quote emphasizes the futility of waiting for ideal conditions and encourages immediate action.

33. “You have to act as if it were impossible to fail.” – Ashleigh Brilliant

Brilliant’s quote suggests adopting a mindset of success to overcome procrastination and achieve goals.

34. “Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” – Don Marquis

A humorous take on how procrastination results in lagging behind, trying to catch up with past tasks.

35. “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” – Charles Dederich

Dederich’s quote underscores the opportunity each new day provides to start fresh and avoid procrastination.

36. “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” – Benjamin Franklin

Franklin’s advice to tackle tasks immediately to avoid future regret and complication.

37. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

Drucker’s quote emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to shape your future.

38. “There’s no time like the present.” – Unknown

A straightforward reminder that the best time to act is now, not later.

Vague Promises from a Procrastinator

We’ve all heard or made vague promises about when we’ll get started on tasks. These vague promises from a procrastinator often sound reassuring but rarely lead to action:

• “I’ll get to it later.”
  • A classic procrastinator’s promise that rarely leads to actual progress.
• “I’ll start tomorrow.”
  • This promise often turns into a never-ending cycle of delays. Tomorrow is always beyond reach because there’s always a tomorrow to look up to as long as one is alive. So if you’re going to put off a task for any reason, ensure to set a specific date.
• “I just need to finish this one last thing first.”
  • A common excuse used to avoid starting a new task.
• “I’m waiting for the right moment.”
  • Procrastinators often wait for the “perfect” time, which never seems to arrive.
• “I’ll do it after I finish this episode.”
  • A common delay tactic, especially with binge-watching TV shows.
• “I’m not in the right mood right now.”
  • Does this one sound familiar? This excuse suggests that emotional state dictates productivity, leading to further procrastination.
• “I’ll do it once I’m more organized.”
  • This promise delays action under the pretense of needing more preparation. Start now and figure the rest later.
• “I’ll handle it once things settle down.”
  • A promise based on the idea that future circumstances will be more conducive to take action. This mentality is flawed. The best time to get started was yesterday, the next best time is today, so take action today.
• “I’ll get around to it eventually.”
  • A vague commitment that often leads to indefinite postponement.
• “I need more information before I start.”
  • An excuse to delay action under the guise of requiring additional details.

Procrastination in the Bible

For those who find inspiration in religious texts, the Bible offers profound insights into procrastination. These scriptures provide timeless wisdom on diligence, responsibility, and the consequences of delaying tasks.

Scriptures on Procrastination

1. “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” – Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)

This scripture contrasts laziness with diligence, emphasizing that hard work leads to success. The lazy are more prone to procrastination.

2. “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” – Proverbs 6:6 (NIV)

This verse encourages us to observe the industrious ant and adopt its proactive approach. Ants are always busy doing something useful for themselves.

3. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” – Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)

A call to put full effort into whatever task we undertake, avoiding procrastination.

4. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” – Proverbs 27:1 (NIV)

A reminder that relying on tomorrow to take action can lead to missed opportunities. You do not know what will happen tomorrow, perhaps your circumstance may be worse than it is today.

5. “He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” – Proverbs 10:5 (NIV)

An illustration of the consequences of failing to act when opportunities arise.

Books on Procrastination

Books can provide deeper insights into procrastination and offer practical strategies to overcome it. Here are some highly recommended books to help you tackle procrastination effectively:

Top Books on Procrastination

1. “The Procrastination Equation: How to Stop Putting Things Off and Start Getting Things Done” by Piers Steel

Steel’s book delves into the science behind procrastination, offering research-based strategies to combat it.

2. “Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time” by Brian Tracy

Tracy’s book provides actionable tips to overcome procrastination and boost productivity.

3. “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen

Allen’s classic offers a comprehensive system for managing tasks and improving productivity, addressing procrastination in the process.

4. “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear

Clear’s book focuses on habit formation, providing insights into how small changes can help overcome procrastination.

5. “Procrastination: Why You Do It, What to Do About It Now” by Jane B. Burka and Lenora M. Yuen

This book explores the underlying causes of procrastination and offers practical solutions for overcoming it.

6. “The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play” by Neil Fiore

Fiore’s book presents strategies to manage procrastination and incorporate guilt-free leisure into your routine.

7. “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World” by Admiral William H. McRaven

McRaven’s book emphasizes the importance of small habits and discipline in overcoming procrastination.

8. “Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time” by Rory Vaden

Vaden’s book provides a unique perspective on time management and overcoming procrastination.

Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

To effectively combat procrastination, consider incorporating these practical tips into your daily routine:

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
   • Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Breaking them into smaller, manageable steps can make them more approachable.
2. Use the Pomodoro Technique
   • Work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. This technique helps maintain motivation and focus.
3. Set Specific Deadlines
   • Assign deadlines to each task and hold yourself accountable. Clear timelines can prevent procrastination.
4. Create a Productive Environment
   • Minimize distractions by creating a study space that promotes focus and productivity.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
   • Don’t be too hard on yourself for past procrastination. Acknowledge it and focus on taking positive steps forward.
6. Use a To-Do List
   • Keep a list of tasks and check them off as you complete them. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going.
7. Establish a Routine
   • Develop a consistent daily routine to create structure and reduce the temptation to procrastinate.
8. Set Realistic Goals
   • Set achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to maintain motivation.
9. Prioritize Tasks
   • Use the Eisenhower Matrix or other prioritization methods to focus on tasks that are both important and urgent.
10. Seek Support
    • Share your goals with friends or mentors who can help keep you accountable and provide encouragement.

For even more detailed tips on how to overcome procrastination, check out these 7 Effective Strategies to Beat Procrastination.

Conclusion

Procrastination is a common challenge for many students, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By exploring and reflecting on procrastination quotes and books on procrastination, you can gain valuable insights and practical strategies to overcome procrastination and enhance your productivity.

Remember, the journey to overcoming procrastination starts with acknowledging the issue and committing to taking proactive steps. Use these procrastination quotes to motivate yourself and achieve your academic and personal goals.

Embrace action, stay focused, and remember that every small step forward is progress! For more tips and resources on productivity and personal growth, subscribe to  Boosted Achiever.

Stay motivated, and keep striving to be your best!

Recommended Reading

1. Beat Procrastination: 7 Powerful Strategies Every Student Needs to Know!
2. The “Eat the Frog” Technique for Students: Productivity Hack
3. Atomic Habits Review: Transform Your Life with Tiny Habits
4. Eisenhower Matrix Explained: Master Effective Prioritization