A mega-trial investigation of goal setting, interest enhancement, and energy on procrastination

Procrastination is an almost universal affliction, but often is poorly understood. In the present research, we investigated the effect of goal setting, interest enhancement and energy on procrastination. In addition, demographics were examined. Using a mega-trial, a sample of 9351 persons, the relationship of sex and age on procrastination was replicated and refined. Further, lack of energy showed the strongest relationship and mediated the effect of interest enhancement on procrastination. Also, a new boundary for goal setting was established, that its efficacy can be partially preempted when combined with interest enhancement. Building on this, future research should focus on other such interactions so we might determine what motivational techniques are redundant and choose the strongest interventions for specific people.