Similarly, you may delay researching and writing papers until the last minute, turning papers in late or incomplete. You then can also say, I know I could have gotten a better grade on that paper if I had had more time. The payoff for procrastinating is protecting yourself from the possibility of perceived real failure. As long as you do not put 100 percent effort into your work, you will not find out what your true capabilities are. Another variation on this theme is that you may often fill your schedule with busy-work so that you have a legitimate reason for not getting around to more important tasks.
Perfectionism often underlies the fear of failure.
Family expectations and standards set by parents may be so high that no one could actually live up to them. Procrastination steps in to derail parental expectations and standards and prevent you from really failing. Fear of success seems to be another side of fear of failure. Here you procrastinate because you are fearful of the consequences of your achievements. Perhaps you fear that if you do well, then next time even more will be expected.