Academics invent a mathematical equation for why people procrastinate

The psychologist, from the University of Calgary, has subsequently
formed an equation for why people procrastinate, which began by
studying 250 college students.

The equation is U=EV/ID.

The
'U' stands for utility, or the desire to complete a given task. It is
equal to the product of E, the expectation of success, and V the value
of completion, divided by the product of I, the immediacy of the task,
and D, the personal sensitivity to delay.

Prof Steel says
procrastination is becoming a bigger issue because many more jobs are
"self-structured", with people setting their own schedules.

This means that people tend to postpone things with delayed rewards in favour of activities that offer immediate rewards.

"Procastinators tend to live fro today rather than tomorrow. for short term gain for long term pain" he writes.