Procrastination; the action of delaying or postponing something. We’ve likely all been there before...some more than others. As a self-proclaimed procrastinator, I know the struggle all too well; I probably spend more time putting things off, than it would take me to actually complete the task that I am trying so desperately to avoid. I’d like to believe that I work well under pressure and that I need that little bit of a time crunch to get my assignments done. Consequently, procrastinating on a paper and writing it the night before it’s due, is my normal; thankfully I have been successful with that thus far. I would like to share what the letters of procrastinator mean to me personally, as I’m sure many college students and fellow procrastinators will be able to relate.
P: Putting assignments and responsibilities off until the last possible minute; then promising yourself that next time you will get things done sooner; then inevitably breaking that promise.
R: Running away from responsibilities. This one is pretty self explanatory; I think we’ve all been there.
O: Only reading the absolutely essential pieces of text that you need to pass the test, write the paper, etc.
C: Crying when you realize that you have a lot more work than expected and that you should have probably started sooner.
R: Regretting staying up until 3am to finish a project that you could have completed three weeks ago, but decided to sleep instead.
A: Anger that is often unfounded, directed toward yourself and others. Why did I wait until the last minute to do this stupid assignment?! Why did my teacher even give us this stupid assignment?! Why am I so angry?!
S: Systematically calculating your grade if you don’t turn in the assignment. Then subsequently finding the motivation to do it, realizing that you won’t pass the class if you don’t turn it in.
T: Time management skills that you once took for granted, now become your best friend.
I: Indirectly placing the blame onto others who may have had nothing to do with the situation that you currently find yourself in, but are somehow responsible anyway.
N: Napping to avoid all of the assignments that are nagging your mind and demanding your attention. You’ll focus better when you’re more rested right?
A: Avoiding the assignment once again by taking twice as long as humanly possible to get everything set up, to begin working.
T: Taking the time to assess exactly how long it will take you to complete your work and then proceeding to the step below.
O: Ordering delivery food to further aid the procrastination process… Wait! I meant the thinking process!
R: Realizing that the project or assignment isn’t going to complete itself and buckling down to finally get it done.
As a procrastinator myself, I tend to live by the motto, Why do today what you could put off until tomorrow? I realize that this is not always the best policy and that there are times when I have to complete assignments ahead of time. However, if I am still able to get my work done efficiently, on time, and in good quality, I do not see why it matters when I choose to complete it. I think that the added stress of a time limit brings out the best in me and forces me to focus; whereas when I have days to do it, that is all I can focus on. Admittedly, there have been a few nights when I regretted my decision to procrastinate, but those eventually pass and I have to remind myself that no matter what, it will be over soon.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and relaxation one feels when getting everything done ahead of time, however this is usually not the reality for college students. It’s more of a process of time management, prioritizing which assignments need to be completed and which can be put of until a later date. Although procrastination in college and in other aspects of life can sometimes be a hindrance, sometimes it can be a saving grace as well when you need to take a little time out for yourself. I am actually quite proud of myself for writing this article a day before it’s due, rather than a few hours before. I think I’ll go publish it now! … Or perhaps it can wait until tomorrow.
