You can procrastinate efficiently; it is possible.

The semester (and year) has just started and there’s already so much catching up to do. Exams and quizzes are inching closer every breathing moment, and a list of what’s due and when has already piled up on my desk. But what’s reassuring is that I am not alone, and neither are you. We are all in this together.

So if you are currently scrolling down your social media newsfeed or are clicking random internet links, you’re procrastinating, probably not efficiently enough, though.

From my last week’s lectures in production specialization in my Economics class, I have decided to apply the principal to being an efficient procrastinator. And here is how I do it.

1. Realize, and accept it.

Step one is realizing and accepting that you are a procrastinator. I have taken online quizzes to check if I am one, and the results are more inconsistent than the stock market. I have now come to understand that denial only delays progress. Hence, admit it.

2. If you are really procrastinating, might as well.

Since being the 20-something-year-olds we are, it is difficult to not procrastinate, almost impossible. However, if you really must procrastinate, try discovering something, learning something new.

“I’d rather be someplace else,” is my non-verbalized state of existence every time I am reading for that one class I detest, however if instead of moaning and complaining, I could rather read something I love, or cook, or essentially enjoy something productive, my efficient procrastination will only make me proud.

3. Short study break.

Duplicate the concept of breaks between studying, and apply it to the idea of taking breaks between procrastinating. When I decide to put off work for the next hour, I make sure somewhere between watching those countless online videos, I read a page, or two, and remember it. That way, my hour long break has concluded with a not so wasted use of time.

4. Perspective.

Every discussion in class is an opportunity to add new perception. Whether it be discussion in your politics class about election systems or discussion about ions in that chemistry class. For instance, my procrastination one evening led me to read about the housing market in Australia, and once you begin connecting dots to see how theoretical principals connect to the real world, trust me, you will be amazed.

Side note: I had intelligent sounding points to make in my International Economics class the next day, so who knew procrastination could really be rewarding.

5. Plan your future.

This one is my favorite. If I am not doing something productive at the moment, might as well do something productive for the future.

Plan that ideal vacation to the minutest detail. If not anything else, plan your next semester classes, or maybe just plan your shopping list for you next trip to the grocery store. I almost always end up drawing (or writing) about my future in my journal and by the time I am finished doing so, it motivates me to get to action and turn those written words into reality.

Or, you could meditate, exercise or organize your room. Because HEY! I did not just waste my time.

P.S. Y'all can do it.

Sincerely,

The Efficient Procrastinator