Why We Procrastinate - The Psychology of Putting Things Off | Learn English (B1-B2)

Why We Procrastinate - The Psychology of Putting Things Off | Learn English (B1-B2)

Author: Oliver September 21, 2026 Duration: 21:52

🎓 Get the full transcript, downloadable vocabulary workbook, and this week's Patreon Deep Dive: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Two minutes into the task and suddenly the kitchen is spotless. In this episode of Easy English, we look at why we procrastinate, what's actually happening in your head when you avoid a task, and the very creative excuses English speakers use to explain it, plus two simple techniques that genuinely help.

This episode is for intermediate (B1-B2) English learners who want practical vocabulary for talking about habits, feelings, and everyday psychology, useful whether you're chatting with friends or explaining a missed deadline at work.

Five words to listen for: avoid, task, guilt, mood, deadline.

🎧 New episodes every week, real English, one everyday topic at a time.


CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro: Why You Keep Procrastinating

1:16 Today's Poll: How Do You Procrastinate?

2:08 Vocabulary Toolkit: 5 Key Words

5:31 Procrastination Isn't Laziness

8:31 The Real Reason: It's a Mood Problem

10:59 English Phrases for Procrastination

13:10 Why Guilt Makes It Worse

14:53 Why "Try Harder" Doesn't Work

16:02 How to Actually Stop Procrastinating

19:33 Comprehension Check

21:03 Recap & Outro


Oliver hosts Easy English Podcast: Learn English Through Listening, a weekly series designed to make language acquisition feel more like a natural conversation than a formal lesson. Each episode focuses on a specific, everyday topic, with Oliver speaking at a deliberately slow and clear pace to help listeners distinguish words and phrases more easily. The goal is to build practical vocabulary and comprehension through context, allowing you to hear grammar and pronunciation in action. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the content is structured to be accessible across different levels of experience. You'll find that regular listening gradually tunes your ear to the rhythms of English, aiding both your understanding and your own speaking confidence. New episodes arrive every Monday, offering consistent practice material. For those who find the podcast particularly helpful, there is an option to subscribe for additional bonus content directly supporting Oliver's work. This approach turns passive listening into an active learning tool, integrating language practice seamlessly into your routine.
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