What is the term for the practice of delaying a task that could be done immediately?

Procrastination specifically refers to the act of delaying or postponing tasks that can and should be accomplished right away. It often involves a conscious decision to delay a task in favor of doing something else that may seem more appealing or easier at the moment, even though the original task may have deadlines or consequences.

This behavior is often linked to various psychological factors, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, or a lack of motivation, leading individuals to put off tasks unnecessarily. Understanding this concept is crucial in leadership and personal productivity contexts, as it can significantly impact team performance and project timelines.

Other terms, while similar, do not capture the specific nuances of procrastination. For instance, postponement suggests a more neutral or scheduled delay, deferral implies an official or planned rescheduling, and delay can refer to any number of hindrances, not necessarily one's intention to purposefully avoid the task. Thus, the term that best embodies the intentional act of putting off immediate responsibilities is procrastination.