Breaking the Procrastination Loop. Mel Robbins explains that procrastination is not who you are, it is a learned habit driven by stress. Stress triggers avoidance, avoidance gives temporary relief, and that relief keeps the cycle alive. Since stress will always exist, the real change comes from interrupting the avoidance pattern. By noticing the stress, counting down to shift control back to the rational part of the brain, and starting with just five minutes of focused action, you break the habi