There are many reasons a person might not complete a task. Fatigue, lack of interest, low urgency, and even simple forgetfulness can all play a role in why something is delayed.
But two of the more common explanations for task avoidance are procrastination and executive dysfunction. While both can look similar from the outside – resulting in rushed work or even missed deadlines – they are not the same issue, and those that are concerned that their child may be struggling with ADHD as a result of their procrastination may want to have a better understanding of the differences and how they manifest.
Note: For more information about executive dysfunction, review our executive dysfunction introductory page.
What Is Procrastination?
Procrastination is a *voluntary* delay of a task despite knowing that doing so may lead to negative outcomes. It’s often tied to emotional responses such as boredom, anxiety, perfectionism, or resentment. In most cases, the individual is aware of what needs to be done and is capable of doing it but is choosing to avoid the task anyway.
Procrastination may involve:
- Deliberately choosing short-term comfort over long-term gain
- Awareness of the delay and possible consequences
- Rationalization or justification for putting off the task
- Feelings of guilt or regret after avoiding the task
Procrastination is often associated with poor time management, emotional regulation issues, or fear of failure, but the core distinction is that the person maintains the capacity to act – they are just not acting.
What Is Executive Dysfunction?
Executive dysfunction refers to an impairment in the brain’s executive functions – skills related to planning, organizing, initiating, and following through with tasks. It is not about choice, but rather about the capacity to act. Someone with executive dysfunction may want to complete a task and may even try to start, but find themselves mentally unable to move forward.
This may result from neurological differences or conditions such as ADHD, depression, autism, or brain injury. It is not a matter of laziness or poor planning. Instead, it reflects a breakdown in the mental processes required to begin and carry out an action.
Executive dysfunction may involve:
- Difficulty initiating tasks, even with motivation
- Inability to organize or sequence steps
- Trouble with working memory or sustaining attention
- Lack of awareness about time, deadlines, or priorities
Unlike procrastination, executive dysfunction is not a delay by choice. It’s often frustrating for the individual because the barrier is internal and not easily overcome through willpower or reminders.
How to Tell the Difference as an Outsider
It can be difficult to tell the difference between voluntary procrastination and being unable to initiate and follow through with tasks. Both involve situations where a person has a high priority goal in front of them, but put off working on that goal even as the deadline approaches. But there are ways you can note a clear difference. For example:
- Those that procrastinate by choice often (although not always) have demonstrated the ability to “cram” or work efficiently enough at the last minute to complete a task. Many procrastinators have shown that they can complete a task last minute – or that they never intended to complete it at all – and the problem lies more in motivation, rather than ability.
- Those with executive dysfunction do not have a concept of time or planning. They may verbally make it clear that they want to complete a task, but they are simply incapable of getting started. They may require constant reminders, and they may even appear stressed by the lack of progress, and yet they are still unable to start it and, potentially complete it. They typically (again, not always) do not demonstrate that they are capable of completing tasks last minute, but may experience extreme distress at its lack of completion.
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference is to look at the emotional and mental experience of the person trying to complete the task. Procrastinators often feel capable but unwilling. Those with executive dysfunction typically feel willing but incapable.
Why This Distinction Matters
Misunderstanding the difference can lead to unhelpful interventions. For example, someone with executive dysfunction may be told to “just try harder” or “get more disciplined,” when the issue is not one of discipline but of function. They did not develop the cognitive tools to handle these tasks, and need to instead overcome them with help from elsewhere.
In contrast, someone who procrastinates might benefit from behavioral changes and accountability, but not necessarily clinical treatment. They may be far more motivated to complete other tasks, and may show themselves to be perfectly capable when the right motivation comes their way.