1) distraction - This is the most fun of the stages...it's basically self-explanatory (you're distracted from work by everything else, because of course anything is more interesting than the work).

2) boredom - When distraction loses its fun and everything becomes mind-numblingly boring. (You almost consider doing work...)

3) panic - Also known as the "oh shit" stage. This is when you realize (after increasingly frequent considerations of your work) that you will be fucked if you don't get it done soon.

4) scheming - This is the second most fun stage; the stage when you attempt to find every possible way to avoid doing the work at all (i.e. reasoning that the consequences won't be harmful enough, etc.), cheat on it to make it easier, turn it in late, or possibly find a way for someone else to do it for you.

5) frustration - Also realization. You're going to have to do the work, and now that you're finally trying to do it, you realize what a bitch it is (why you avoided it in the first place) and are frustrated with not only the fact that you have to do it, but the difficulty of it, as well.

6) breakdown - Frustration lead to exhaustion. So frustrated, overwhelmed, and panicked that you act irrationally verbally and/or physically (ex. throwing things, screaming, crying).

7) epiphany - As the outbursts begin to dwindle, a light goes off and suddenly the assignment makes sense and comes together and now you're on a roll!

8) completion - Who would have guessed? You're done!

Stage eight is often followed by feelings of either (a) self-doubt, (b) inflated ego, or (c) complete and utter exhaustion [basically apathy due to fatigue].

I came up with this theory while noting Hayley's behavior when she procrastinated a major essay. Of course there are variations...such as one stopping at stage four because an idea actually works, or perhaps the assigment is not stressful enough to cause breakdown, etc.

before - after