There on the table is the stupid essay that's due tomorrow, first period. But, it can wait. I mean it's going to be easy. I just have to write a couple quick paragraphs on the Civil War, and be done with it. Surely it can wait until after Whyville's Trivia Hour, or until the bus ride tomorrow.
Procrastination. It's a little devil in itself. What exactly is this thing I'm talking about? Well, According to the online dictionary, Dictionary.com, this is the definition of procrastination.
To defer action; delay: to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost.
Let's simplify that definition to help it fit into our lives:
To delay unwanted activities (homework, chores, shower, etc.) by doing something we find more interesting (Facebook, texting, writing, singing, television).
Well, if we're doing something more interesting, what's wrong with putting things off? Think about it, you're going to tell yourself you'll do it after this episode of "Degrassi" or "Two and a Half Men", and then when the show is over there is another one on. You'll keep telling yourself after this and after that, when you eventually delay it so long, you don't have anymore time to do that assignment or take your shower.
Pros of procrastination: You would most likely only look at the pros.
More free time.
Do what you enjoy.
More fun not doing what you're supposed to be doing.
Rebellion (against parents).
Cons of procrastination: Your parents would most likely only look at the cons.
Some things won't get done.
Dropping grades.
Missing assignments.
Angry parents.
That feeling that you should be doing something else.
Now that you know each sides of the issue of procrastination, what if you have decided to go against the status quo? What if you have decided you don't want procrastination taking over your life? There are many ways to help beat that urge to put things off.
School Work:
1. Just start working. Getting started is the biggest step. Grab your iPod or turn on your stereo. Turn your television off and just start.
2. Work in intervals. If you're getting that itch to do something more fun, or you just are losing concentration, take a 3 minute break, or about 1 song if you're listening to music. Listen to 3 or 4 more songs, and then take another song off. It will keep you from getting stressed, and it is always helpful!
3. Do your hardest subject first. It might seem more daunting, but if you're taking breaks then you'll get the hardest subjects done, and you can do your favorite subjects later. It'll give you something to look forward to, and it will lessen your load as the night goes on and you get more and more tired.
4. Keep your mind on the goal. If you can get your work done, you have the rest of the night to chat with your friends or watch your favorite show, and you won't have to keep thinking about when you're going to do that assignment.
5. Give yourself a deadline. Say you have a lot of homework, give yourself until 8 o'clock to get it done. If you do not reach you goal, keep going. Don't set your goal for 6 o'clock and keep pushing your deadline back; this isn't going to help you at all. It's the same as procrastination.
6. Reward yourself. If you get your assignments done quickly and there is no procrastination for a few nights, increase your break to 2 songs or 6 minutes instead of 3 minutes. Just keep in mind, that this may let procrastination sneak back into your routine, so be careful when rewarding yourself.
Chores:
1. You may not want to do it that moment, or your in the middle of your favorite show, but if you say you'll do it at a commercial or after the show, chances are you'll completely forget what you were suppose to do.
2. Write down everything you need to do. It will remind you things you need to do, and you can check them off as you do them.
3. Take advantage of every free moment. Commercials, waiting for someone to get ready, when you're bored, do something that is close to something that you need to do. Say you're on your way to your best friend's house; why not quickly pick up that box of cereal? Or your mom is blow drying her hair, and you're stuck sighing, why not fold some of your shirts?
4. Make a game out of your chores! Say you need to put away some of your stuff, see how quickly you can put everything in the right spot. Need something to be put away in a bin, perfect time to practice your basketball skills. You'll be a pro in no time!
5. If you mom is reminding you for a second time, do it, whether you're in the middle of something or not. You don't want you mom to get anymore frustrated with you. Just play it safe, and you'll be happy she won't nag you anymore!
Procrastination doesn't need to be your worst enemy. Learn to work with it, and you'll get things done! You'll be able to watch your favorite show and talk with your friends without that annoying feeling.
