Explore five types of procrastination apps, each offering a different psychological approach to help you get started, stay focused, and feel better about study.
You might not be shocked to hear this, but people who procrastinate… often procrastinate on signing up for programs to help them stop procrastinating. (I’ve heard “I’ll do Studyology next semester” more than once.)
That’s why I am always on the lookout for low-barrier ways to help people start making changes.
I recently came across a fascinating study that analysed 127 procrastination-focused apps to find out: how are app developers trying to help people tackle procrastination?
The answer? Developers are approaching procrastination from five different psychological angles, each using its own blend of reminders, tracking, games, coaching, or social nudges.
Let’s take a quick tour of the five styles—and a few apps that represent each approach.
🧱 1. The Structured Progress Monitor
For when you need: Order, clarity, and a sense of getting things done
These apps help you create tasks, plan when to do them, and track progress visually. Think progress bars, streaks, and clean design.
Example:
🟩 Todoist – A well-known task manager that helps you break things into doable parts
📘 2. The Self-Improvement Guide
For when you want: To become a better version of yourself
This type supports long-term change, with habit tracking, journaling, and reflective prompts often powered by AI companions.
Example:
🟦 Dreamfora – Turns life goals into daily habits with a side of encouraging chat
🎮 3. The Productivity Adventure
For when you wish: Studying felt more like a video game
These apps turn tasks into quests, complete with rewards, levels, and playful characters. You work, your avatar levels up.
Example:
🟨 Focus Quest – Study as a fantasy adventure with unlockable rewards and a helpful guide character
🧘 4. The Emotional Wellness Coach
For when you feel: Overwhelmed, stuck, or unmotivated
These apps focus on motivational speeches, affirmations, or calming meditations to help you regulate your emotions and find a better mindset.
Example:
🟪 Greatness – Audio coaching sessions designed to inspire and calm in equal measure
🐾 5. The Social Focus Companion
For when you need: Company and accountability
These apps often feature digital pets or shared timers that respond to your focus. Focus = your pet is happy. Get distracted = not so much.
Example:
🟥 Focus Dog – Stay focused to keep your dog happy and unlock virtual treats
So… which one sounds like you?
Procrastination doesn’t come from one place. It can be:
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A lack of clarity (“I don’t know where to start”)
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Self-doubt (“I don’t think I can do it”)
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Avoidance (“This task feels awful”)
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Distraction (“Oops, YouTube again”)
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Overwhelm (“If I start, I’ll fail”)
These apps were designed with those challenges in mind. And while they haven’t all been scientifically tested, many are well-rated and thoughtfully built.
🎒 Try it as a self-experiment:
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Pick the app style that matches your challenge
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Test one app for a week
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Reflect: Did it help? What got in the way? What would you change?
If you find something that works—or doesn’t—drop us a note. We’re always building our list of helpful tools and sharing back what we learn.
🚨 Just a heads-up: These apps won’t magically “fix” procrastination. But they can support your efforts, especially when combined with the kinds of skills and strategies taught in programs like Studyology.
Want more tips on taming procrastination?
✅ Check out New Studyology Format
✅ Explore the Procrastination Resource List
✅ Join the procrastination mailing list
✅ Check out our other wellbeing and productivity programs