What is the term for delaying tasks that could be accomplished immediately?

The term for delaying tasks that could be accomplished immediately is known as procrastination. This behavior involves voluntarily putting off tasks despite knowing that it may lead to negative consequences. Procrastination is often driven by factors such as fear of failure, perfectionism, or a lack of motivation, which leads individuals to delay completing their responsibilities in favor of less urgent activities or distractions.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts. Distraction refers to the process of diverting attention away from a task, typically leading to a decrease in productivity, but it does not inherently imply an intention to delay. Delegation involves assigning tasks to others, which can actually expedite the completion of work rather than delay it. Postponement, while similar in meaning, doesn't capture the same psychological aspect of choosing to avoid a task as procrastination does. This term often implies a planned delay rather than the habitual and often guilt-ridden avoidance characteristic of procrastination.