Due at 11:59 p.m. is a common deadline, which speaking for many students, we just barely meet. Throughout our life we are told not to procrastinate because it is added stress, but does procrastination bring out our best ideas?
What is Procrastination?
According to the Dictionary, Procrastination is the act of putting off work intentionally and habitually. In other words voluntarily delaying something despite knowing there could be negative consequences for doing so.
Why do we Procrastinate?
We sometimes overestimate our abilities to perform a given task at certain times. Other factors in our lives may make us want to procrastinate, such as the fear of failure, criticism, or even something as simple as not understanding or taking the time to.
Many think that procrastination leads to people being satisfied with mediocre work just so they are able to press the turn in button. While this may be true to some degree, the delay in our work can create more time to brainstorm, find diverging ideas, and finding the one that best fits the given topic. Flowing through these ideas before putting the first one you think of on paper creates an in depth compelling piece that lots of thought was put behind.
Now there is a difference between a ‘procrastinator’ and an ‘ultimate procrastinator’. A procrastinator will look at the work the day it was given, have time to think about it, then most likely work on it before the day it is due. This works so well because ideas are able to flow when we understand the given topic and until the due date, you are able to formulate your most perceptive response.
Being an ultimate procrastinator is not a trait you want to possess. The ‘ultimate’ signifies procrastinating on everything as in-not looking at the prompt until the day it is due. Many may fall victim to this because we do not have enough time to construct our best ideas over time, this is where the ultimate procrastination is degrading and shows little work ethic.
Why do we procrastinate ?
There are many different motives that drive us to procrastinate. It varies from things like low-self confidence, from anxiety, lack of structure, and the inability to motivate ourselves to complete tasks that we necessarily do not want to. Additional research shows that procrastination is closely linked to negative thoughts.
How to overcome the ultimate procrastination?
There are a few tips that have helped me stop becoming the ultimate procrastinator. First, I create a do-to list that helps me identify what I need to get done. Try to tackle your hardest tasks at your peak time (maybe this is when you just had your coffee or midday when you are most awake). Give yourself time-boundary goals, maybe you set aside 15 minutes to clean your room then 10 to put your laundry away.
Making these simple adjustments can create a routine in your daily life that ends up leading to success.
