Yes, creative procrastination is different

Creatives everywhere delay the work that matters most, but research suggests creative procrastination is distinct from other forms.
A blonde woman in long black sleeves is sitting at a desk looking bored. She is experiencing procrastination.

Perfectionism, identity and fear of failure can all feed the procrastination loop. But creative professionals may need different solutions than most.

Procrastination is often framed as a failure of discipline – a simple matter of laziness or poor time management. But for creatives, it’s rarely so straightforward. New research suggests that creative procrastination is not only common, but also that it often stems from unique psychological and neurological mechanisms that differ from those of the general population.

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David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.