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How to Stop Procrastination Undermining Focus? 

Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

You sit down to work, and suddenly decide the fridge needs reorganising. Sound familiar? Procrastination and focus are tightly linked, and when avoidance takes over, concentration crumbles. But this isn’t laziness; it’s often a symptom of overwhelm, perfectionism, or fear of failure. 

Why Procrastination Breaks Your Focus, and How to Rebuild It 

Procrastination isn’t just a time waster; it’s one of the biggest productivity barriers people face. It tricks your brain into short-term comfort while pushing long-term progress further out of reach. When your focus is hijacked by avoidance, even simple tasks feel monumental. 

Here’s how to tackle those concentration challenges: 

Break tasks into micro-steps:  

Smaller goals feel more manageable and reduce the fear of starting. 

Use time-blocking:  

Commit to working for just 10–15 minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part. 

Remove distractions:  

Turn off notifications, close tabs, and create a focus-friendly environment. 

Name the avoidance:  

Identify what you’re really avoiding fear, confusion, boredom and problem-solve from there. 

Reward progress:  

Give yourself something to look forward to after completing a focus block. 

Remember, procrastination is not a moral failing. It’s a signal that something needs adjusting in your workflow or mindset. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to better understand how brain imaging can inform ADHD treatment.  

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to ADHD difficulty concentrating.  

Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.