As we’ve finally approached the end of the semester, it’s the perfect time to reflect on certain academic choices. We’ve all decided to become “academic weapons” at some point; some of us have even succeeded. However, that didn’t occur without sweat and tears along the way.
From personal experience, I can say that most times, we don’t choose to procrastinate. In the moment, we believe we’re simply delaying a task or assignment. Even if it isn’t getting done immediately, it’s in the works!
Unfortunately, that’s usually the start of a downward spiral. One day turns to two, and suddenly you’re working on an assignment an hour before the deadline. It’s a terrible cycle that seems to have no end.
It doesn’t have to be this way. It is possible to fight your procrastination habits and come out better than before. However, it requires a lot of time, discipline, and work. Still, it’s possible, and doing so will help your efficiency in everything you do, not just academics.
why do we procrastinate?
Procrastination has happened to most of us at some point in our academic journeys, but why do we do it? Why do we decide to push something until the last minute and add to our scholastic burdens?
A big part of why we procrastinate is to avoid the responsibility and stress of an activity. For example, you’ve been assigned a big project for a class. Your initial instinct will likely be to work on it later when you have more time, especially if you have other things to work on at hand.
Eventually, more time will pass, and you realize that you haven’t started that project. You decide to rush the assignment in the last few hours of the deadline, functioning on pure adrenaline. You manage to submit before the deadline, but you now feel mentally exhausted. In the long run, this is only harmful as it encourages an unhealthy habit that may result in a disaster if it’s not acknowledged.
So, how can we solve this? Procrastination is something that can’t be resolved in one go; it’s a lengthy process. The first meaningful step towards improvement is acknowledging that it’s a problem.
It may seem obvious, but to some, procrastination is their default routine. They may have found a way to function despite the risks. This isn’t the case for everyone, and I know it sure isn’t for me. Confronting the problem headfirst allows you to understand how it’s affecting your work ethic and life overall.
Reframing your procrastination mindset
A key next step is understanding how procrastination affects you and the possible reasons you’ve developed those habits. There could be several: regular stress, being overstimulated, and unstable emotions. All of these are valid issues that may influence why you delay important tasks.
Knowing the why is essential to reframing your mentality around responsibilities. Instead of viewing it as a block, you can view it as an opportunity to learn or just a small part of your day. This way, the pressure is lessened while acknowledging that it’s still important.
Next, writing it down or documenting that task is a great way to keep track of everything on your mental to-do list. This can be done through a physical agenda, a notes app on your phone, or a whiteboard on your desk. You should also take note of deadlines, so you know what needs to be taken care of first.
Lastly, know when you need a mental break and take time to replenish your energy. Completing several homework assignments in a row can be stressful, and you might feel exhausted afterwards. The exhaustion after procrastination further encourages those habits, so it’s important to admit when you’re feeling drained and take time to restore your energy.
The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. We’ve all dealt with procrastination, and old habits can be hard to break. So, when you’re tempted to leave that quiz for Saturday night, take a breather and decide if it’s best to do it sooner rather than later.
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