We usually think of procrastination as delaying the things we don’t want to do, like paying bills or doing laundry. But what about the things you love? Have you ever put off catching up with a good friend or opening that special bottle of wine you’ve been saving?
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A new study published in the journal PNAS NexuS suggests that we often procrastinate on joy, too. The longer we put off doing something fun, the more likely we are to keep putting it off. This happens because we build up what one researcher calls “psychological drama” around the experience. We start to believe that the moment needs to be perfect, that it shouldn’t be “wasted” on a random Tuesday.
By waiting for the perfect time, we fall into a cognitive trap that robs us of immediate happiness. So, what’s going on, and how can we get out of this cycle?
The “Perfect Moment” Trap
Researchers noticed this pattern when people started returning to normal life after the pandemic. They found that the longer people had been away from an activity—like going to a restaurant or the theater—the longer they waited to go back. They were holding out for “the perfect moment” to celebrate, which, ironically, made them wait even longer.
The same thing happened with a more simple task: texting a friend. The longer the gap since the last conversation, the more likely people were to put off reaching out, even though it would have made them happier than doing a boring task. This shows that we often delay small pleasures when we feel the moment isn’t “special” enough to match the time that has passed.
So, why do we do this? We want to maximize the fun and avoid “spoiling the moment.” We think the future will hold a better, more special time than “right now.” Unfortunately, this mindset often means that the things we’re saving for a special occasion, like that fine wine, just end up gathering dust.
How to Start Enjoying Life Now
he good news is you don’t have to keep falling into this trap. Here are a few simple strategies to help you stop procrastinating on your happiness:
Notice the Trap: The first step is to become aware of this tendency. When you find yourself saving something for later, ask yourself, “Am I waiting for a perfect moment that might never come?”
Schedule Your Fun: Don’t wait for spontaneity to strike. Actually put that fun activity on your calendar. Whether it’s a date with a friend or a plan to open that special bottle, scheduling it makes it easier to follow through.
Redefine “Special”: A key part of breaking this pattern is to change your mindset. Instead of waiting for a grand occasion, try to make any moment special. Remember that you have the power to make an ordinary Tuesday feel significant just by choosing to be present and enjoy it.
You deserve to enjoy the good things in life right now, not just in some hypothetical perfect future. So go ahead, open that wine, text that friend, and make today the special occasion.
Sheila van Tol October 2025
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Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash