With your eyelids heavy and body tired you can’t help but notice the clock’s hands inch forward. It’s three in the morning, and the deep feelings of regret and remorse set in. Your paper is blank, and neither thoughts nor words arise. Knowing full well your project is due tomorrow you still ask yourself: “Why did I wait until the last minute?”
For whatever reason it may be, students often find themselves in the predicament of trying to finish off their duties at the last possible moment. Such as term papers, speeches, poems, and readings. We have all fallen victim in attempting to put together those final words in the late night hours. Being first hand witnesses to the horrors of failing a class, it is clear that we should all strive to make the best use of time and meet the looming deadlines in preparation for a world that isn’t as lenient.
“There is a direct correlation between procrastinating less and being more successful,” said Lucia Lachmayr, an Instructor in the Learning Resources Department at Skyline.
In an example of completing a semester long term paper, students who begin early are not rushed by an immediate deadline and are able to research, study, and compose stellar work. They do not feel the rush to simply turn something in and can actually write and convey ideas with ease.
Helping the students who frequent the Learning Center, Lachmayr knows the troubles that must be overcome. Many have responsibilities and commitments beyond the classroom including work, family, friends and relationships. Finding the balance between them all becomes the true test as students must find a way to excel. Lachmayr tells of numerous on-campus programs to help combat procrastination, including the tutoring center as well as time management classes. She encourages students to attend open workshops that focus on the areas that they most often have trouble in.
Many students fall into the routine of pushing their responsibilities to the point where some of their duties may not even be finished. Knowing the peril’s of doing so success stories are to be found in those who have realized their potential in proper time management.
“It’s a bad habit,” said Agnes de Castro a Skyline student. “Everyone does it. You inherit it in your freshman year of high school.”
Agnes de Castro, a second year student, deals with the rigors of a full time job but still hits the books hard every night. She knows the value of finishing her responsibilities early, and does so successfully. De Castro can thank her mother for great advice: “Prioritizing is the KEY to academic success.”
Eric Larson, a Counselor at Skyline College, also tells how he has not had problems with completing his tasks on time. He was a schoolteacher at CSM, Skyline, and at other local high schools.
“There is no way I can tell if work is done a day or week in advance,” Larson said.
While this may be music to some student’s ears that look to not heed this article’s advice be aware that your work may still often be unsatisfactory.
Larson has great advice for students who have had trouble procrastinating. He recommends students to work on their time management skills as well as disciplining themselves to work towards a set goal. He believes in motivating yourself, which will at last bring success.
| 1. Create a list of what needs to be done. Use a planner and calendar to its greatest potential. |
| 2. Prioritize your most important duties by deadline. You may also arrange them in order of importance. |
| 3. Break larger projects into smaller portions. Chip away at the bigger task as a whole with more manageable pieces. |
| 4. Create a schedule and stick to it. Procrastination is habit forming, so the more likely you start early, the better chance you have for future tasks to be completed. |
| 5. Reward yourself! Allow yourself to receive a gift, or bonus after you complete portions of the task. Create the incentive for you to finish! |
In the another quest to find the ultimate balance amongst the responsibilities that students have, Professor John Perry of Stanford University has introduced his theory of “Structured Procrastination.” His insight in work habits focuses on one being able to prioritize the work that is to be accomplished, and getting things done regardless of its importance. Perry believes that “Procrastinating does not mean not doing anything.” This indeed does hold true, as those who are not working on their paper due the next morning, may be doing some other smaller pieces of homework still accomplishing things on their list. His key to being successful lies in a person’s ability to actually be productive however at little the increments may be.
The idea of procrastination reaches far beyond the books and classes of school. The constant putting off of schoolwork often trails into life at older stages. Not being able to finish things in your early years reflects the type of lifestyle frequently seen in the workforce. Bad habits at youth manifests into bad habits at elder ages too. Employers are fully aware of this tendency, and specifically look for workers able to make and meet deadlines for themselves.
Ultimately the ball is and has always been in your court. You have the final word on when to start your task. You have the decision on how you’re going to complete it. You know the consequences and repercussions of not completing the duty at hand. Take small steps in your development, and begin with Larson’s advice: Turn the TV off.
