PROCRASTINATION

WHY DO WE  PROCRASTINATE?

• To gain attention

• To feel powerful

• To avoid unpleasant or difficult tasks

• Because we fear failure

• Because we fear success

• We are overloaded or overextended

• We are perfectionists

• We need the "rush" of last-minute pressure

GET TO THE ROOTS OF THE PROBLEM

• Why do you procrastinate?

• When do you procrastinate? (Time of day? Day of the week?)

• With what types of tasks are you more likely to procrastinate?

• What are the benefits of procrastinating?

• What are the dangers of procrastinating?

• Who do you procrastinate with or for or because of?

• What tactics do you use to avoid or postpone work?

 DEALING WITH PROCRASTINATION:

• Create a plan to reduce, control, and eliminate procrastination.

• Base this plan on the answers to the above questions.

• Attempt to reduce procrastination and slowly work toward eliminating it entirely.

Set a goal – Make this something specific, such as “I’ll do my reading before I watch TV.”   Write it on a to-do list (checking things off is very satisfying).  Start slowly and be realistic.

Check your progress – Are you keeping up with assignments?  Are you prepared for exams without cramming?  Are your papers done without extensions?  Do you have time for both academics and a social life?

Get support – Touch base once in a while with a friend, tutor, mentor, advisor, professor—someone who can offer support and encouragement.

Give yourself rewards – A light at the end of the tunnel helps to keep you moving forward.

“Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.”

~William James