Procrastination Isn’t Laziness, It’s a Form of Control
Written by Anna Kuyumcuoglu, Licensed Psychotherapist
Anna Kuyumcuoglu is well-known for her somatic psychotherapies. She is the founder and CEO of Wall Street Therapy, a private practice in the heart of New York's financial district.
When we procrastinate, we’re not being careless. We’re often trying to manage overwhelm, fear, or perfectionism in the only way our nervous system knows how.
It’s not that you “don’t care” or “aren’t trying hard enough. ”It’s that avoiding the task temporarily gives you a sense of control in a moment that feels uncertain or threatening.
But then the cycle begins:
Avoid the task →
Feel guilt/shame →
Judge yourself →
Feel stuck →
Avoid again…
This cycle isn't a character flaw—it's a protective loop.
Healing starts with compassion, not criticism. When we understand procrastination as a nervous system response—not a moral failing—we can begin to shift the pattern.
Let’s stop asking, “Why can’t I just do the thing?” And start asking, “What does this part of me need to feel safe enough to begin?”
Pause and see if you can just sit with this and notice before you go back in.
Read more from Anna Kuyumcuoglu
Anna Kuyumcuoglu, Licensed Psychotherapist
Anna Kuyumcuoglu is a trauma-informed licensed psychotherapist specializing in body-based somatic psychotherapy. With a deep understanding of attachment and nervous system regulation, she helps individuals move beyond adaptive survival strategies toward secure, embodied connection. Committed to creating a safe and attuned therapeutic space, Anna supports clients in strengthening their capacity for co-regulation, self-trust, and relational intimacy. Grounded in a compassionate, integrative approach, she empowers individuals to reclaim their resilience and experience more authentic, fulfilling relationships—with both themselves and others.
