Procrastination vs Paralysis

Procrastination and task paralysis might look the same on the outside — nothing gets done — but they come from very different places.

Procrastination is usually described as delaying tasks on purpose, often by doing something more enjoyable or less demanding. It can be about avoiding discomfort, uncertainty, or just preferring short-term reward.

Task paralysis, on the other hand, is when someone wants to do something but feels stuck. It might feel like hitting an invisible wall, where even simple tasks become impossible to start. This is often linked to executive dysfunction, anxiety, or overwhelm — common in neurodivergent people.

It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of care. It’s a real barrier.

Understanding the difference helps shift the conversation from blame to support — finding ways to reduce pressure, remove friction, and create momentum that works with, not against, how someone’s brain is wired.