Procrastination.
Something we are all familiar with. When you have an assignment due the next day or even in an hour or so. But every time you try to bring yourself to do whatever you need to do, everything so much more interesting. Only doing your work when the deadline-induced stress kicks in and you finally get the work done. Not completely its best standard but as good as it can get when you spent an entire hour of stress filled, rushed hour of work work work. Occasionally taking a few minutes away from your work to go to the toilet or eat. If that.
And you’d hear the constant chant of “why didn’t you do this ages ago?” “Why did you leave this to the last minute?” in your head. Why didn’t you do your work before?
To answer this question, one would need to consider the mindset of our current generation. Into the mindset of the current lifestyle of our society.
And by that, I mean, one must consider the amount of technology we, as a society, surround ourselves with. The younger generations are “consistently” on their phones, on social media. Some from the ages of eleven. Whilst there are frequent arguments to whether or not social media has only created barriers between the older and younger generations. Another thing that technology has brought on us is the distractions it provides.
Of course, we all know that apps and websites such as YouTube can entertain us for hours but when it comes to procrastination, they are the perfect places to go. Updated content every day and you can watch and listen to whatever you want. Never limiting you. Not a show that finishes in an hour. You can go on for hours, unbothered by anything.
Only when you see that you have a few hours to your deadline. The stress comes in and you can finally start your work, every thought of, “you can do it tomorrow” leaves you mind and you have one set goal. To do your work. To revise your test tomorrow.
And because of this, you tell yourself, “I won’t do this next time,” but, like last time, you did it again and, although the work has been done, you can’t change habits.
Ways to stop/minimise the amount of procrastination you take part in?
- Turn off all forms of unnecessary technology around you. If you don’t need it, it shouldn’t be on. Including your phone, aeroplane mode isn’t good enough, the temptation to turn it off, just for a quick glance at your notifications, just in case someone texted or called you. But no. Nothing. So if you know you’re not expecting an important call or text, just turn off your phone.
- Make a to-do list, and set a deadline for all your thing to be done by. A goal without a deadline can be put off indefinitely.
- Become more self-aware of yourself. When you do something, ask yourself, do I really need to do this. Especially when it comes to entertaining yourself. Whether it be by watching a show or listening to music. Is it necessary?
- Work when you believe you are the most alert/awake. There’s no point in working when you’re half awake and not functioning properly. And if it’s necessary, exercise regularly o wake yourself up.
Saima Ali
The Sydney Russell School
