Procrastination

 

„Tomorrow there is another day, I´ll start tomorrow”, students use to say, with heaps of books and notes in front of them and an examination coming near. We all know the temptation to postpone the study that we cannot “take in” at the moment. Sometimes such      a procrastination can grow to dimensions that cause us trouble and fear. Exams are looming on the horizon and we are only slowly wading through the questions… Putting off unpleasant tasks, or procrastination, is related to a natural human inclination to avoid what we don´t like. What is it that we put off the most often? Tasks that require a higher-than-average performance, prolonged concentration, time-consuming activities, or those that seem to be beyond our power (a major interdisciplinary examination, state examination, writing a thesis). Usually these are activities for which we are being evaluated. And the very fear of evaluation can hamper our motivation to such an extent that we prefer not to even start learning. In that respect, the “procrastinators” are similar to perfectionists – they prefer doing nothing to risking failure.

 

The risks related to procrastination apply particularly to students (academic procrastination). Men compared to women put off their tasks rather more often, with age this habit becomes less frequent. Compared to people who do their work in time, chronic procrastinators are less efficient and make more mistakes. What those eager to work usually start too early because of fear of failure, procrastinators start too late, based on similar fears. This results in stress, in worse cases in the necessity to repeat a year of study, or exclusion from the school.

 

   Procrastination is related to certain psychical and personal characteristics:

 

How to overcome procrastination

If procrastination is also a problem of yours and you want to change your behaviour, consider the recommendations below and try and practice them.

 

 

       Examine your own strategies of procrastination.

         

     Set yourself realistic and achievable goals.

 

    Define your first step well.

 

   Plan further steps and manage your time effectively.

            

                See: Study - Learning Style

 

    Try and manage your irrational thoughts and beliefs.