Beat procrastination by using commitment devices—not just willpower

In one experiment, university classes divided into three groups. The group given strict deadlines for assignments throughout the term submitted better work and higher-quality papers than classes allowed to hand things in whenever they wished. The surprising result? Students welcomed the extra structure, and even in classes where they could set their own deadlines, those who chose to space out their work outperformed those who left everything to the last minute.

Classic behavioral economics frames this as the problem of 'present bias'—people consistently misjudge what their future selves will do, underestimating distractions or temptations. Tools that enforce precommitment—whether set externally (like a teacher's deadlines) or by our own public promises, contracts, or digital locks—are proven antidotes. The relief and productivity gains are substantial: not only is procrastination cut, but regret and guilt fade as projects get tackled on time.

To fight off procrastination, break your biggest task into clear, small deadlines and write each one on your calendar. Tell a friend or group about what you're working on, and set a consequence if you slip. Explore options like automatic reminders or setting up your bank to save for you—remove as many temptations as possible. Don’t just trust willpower; lean on clear, visible boundaries, and let your future self thank you for making hard tasks—even taxes or term papers—feel doable instead of overwhelming.