Anyone else finding it easier to work if no one knows you're working on something or have a deadline?

This might seem ridiculous and I don't know since when this became true for me, but recently I realized, on the days that I'm asked about what I'll be getting up to for the day, and I mention there's a big assignment I need to complete, the person I'm speaking to will always be supportive or wish me luck--No adverse reaction almost ever, in fact supportive and positive, which is great, but I will feel way more anxious throughout the day. And usually I'll still message or talk to these people like normal throughout the day, that is to say that I don't have to become a hermit to complete the work and people don't avoid me or something on those days, though they might check in and ask how it's going.

But I do procrastinate way more, and the assignment is like the death drop of the skiing hills that are my mind.

BUT on the days I never mention that I have an assignment I have to work on to my friend, I find it wayyy easier to sit down and focus on it, or even if takes a lot of time or I'm behind, feel less anxious about it. The assignment is suddenly a bunny hill, and I don't know how to ski, so it's still daunting lol, but much more climbable than before.

I think timers, scheduling, and deadlines would all work pretty well for me up until recently... I'm not sure what changed nor do I know if it's very relatable lol