Photo: The Straits Times / Chong Jun Liang
A Symptom, Not a Habit
In a school setting like Singapore’s, where academic performance is highly emphasised and time is always ticking toward the next assessment, procrastination is often misunderstood as laziness or poor time management. However, from a counsellor’s perspective, procrastination in students is rarely about a lack of discipline—it’s often a symptom of deeper emotional struggles such as low self-esteem, self-doubt, and negative thought patterns. After working with many students, I have observed that most of them actually have a strong desire to do well in their exams; their procrastination reflects the internal conflict between wanting to succeed and feeling overwhelmed or afraid of failure.
What Is Procrastination, Really?
Procrastination is the act of delaying tasks despite knowing there may be negative consequences. On the surface, it may look like poor habits or a lack of motivation. But for many students, procrastination is a coping mechanism—a way to avoid uncomfortable emotions like fear, shame, or the belief that they’re not good enough.
The Deeper Issues Beneath Procrastination
1. Low Self-Esteem
Students who lack confidence in their abilities may delay starting tasks because they believe they will fail anyway. “If I don’t try, I won’t have to see myself fail,” is a silent belief they may hold. This avoidance helps preserve what little self-worth they feel they have. In my experience as a counsellor, I’ve seen many students caught in this cycle of self-protection—procrastination becomes a way to shield themselves from the pain of potential failure. It’s not simply about avoiding work, but about managing deep fears and fragile self-esteem.
2. Fear of Failure or Success
Some students fear failure so much that they’d rather avoid trying than risk not doing well. Others fear the expectations that come with success—“What if I can’t keep it up next time?” From a counsellor’s perspective, these fears reveal the complex emotional pressures students face beyond just academics. In my work with students, I’ve noticed that the fear of failure often ties closely to a deeper fear of judgment and disappointment, whether from themselves or others. Similarly, the anxiety around sustaining success can create a paralyzing pressure that makes even doing well feel risky.
3. Negative Self-Talk
Thoughts like “I’m not smart enough” or “I always mess up” create mental resistance. These inner narratives become internal barriers, making even the simplest task feel overwhelming. From a counsellor’s perspective, these negative self-talk patterns are often deeply ingrained and reinforce feelings of helplessness and anxiety.
4. Perfectionism
The student who keeps refining their work but never submits it may be trapped in perfectionism. To them, nothing they do is ever “good enough,” so the task never gets finished. From a counsellor’s perspective, perfectionism often masks a deeper fear of criticism or failure, creating a paralyzing need for control. In my work with students, I’ve seen how this relentless pursuit of flawlessness can lead to intense stress and burnout.
How Can We Help Students Manage Procrastination?
Procrastination is often much more than just bad habits or poor time management—it reflects deeper emotional challenges like low self-worth, fear of failure, and perfectionism. From a counselling perspective, helping students overcome procrastination means gently challenging these limiting beliefs and creating a safe space for them to explore and reframe their thoughts about success and failure. By supporting students to build small successes, cultivate self-compassion, and shift focus from perfection to progress, we help them gradually restore their confidence, resilience, and motivation to cope better with academic stress.
Final Thoughts
In sum, procrastination is often a window into a student’s inner world. Rather than simply fixing their habits, we need to help them understand their feelings, beliefs, and needs. When we treat procrastination with curiosity and compassion, not criticism, we give students the tools to not just manage their time—but to trust themselves in the process.
If you notice persistent procrastination in your child or student, consider speaking to a school counsellor or mental health professional. Sometimes, what looks like a time problem is really a heart problem—waiting to be heard.
Written by Fion Liew, Lead Therapist
