Procrastination and Breaking the Habit
There are five most common reasons procrastinate.
- Underestimation of the task difficulty
- Overestimation of ones own ability and available resources
- Fear of potential failure
- Not motivated to do (Boring, no value)
- Purposefully work on it last minute to get pressure
Ways to try to break this habit
- If you have a fear, start to ask yourself why you sore afraid. Is the assignment to difficult? Are you doubting your ability? You will realize you’re the only one standing in your way. So face your fears and use the resources you have available
- If its too boring, try to push yourself to stay motivated. Look for the value in it, find something interesting about it, and stay positive.
- If you underestimate the task difficulty
- Try being realistic about your abilities and resources. For example, if you have an assignment due and you know you don’t have a computer at home but you are at your mother’s house who has a computer but you don’t feel like doing it. why wait until the last minute knowing you don’t have what you need to complete the assignment at home. Also if you know you are struggling in math class, don’t wait until the day the assignment is due to start it.
- Some people really do work good over pressure, but just because it is complete doesn’t mean it is good quality. You want to chose quality over efficiency so you should plan enough time ahead to make sure you’re able to review your work before you turn it in so you know there are no mistakes.
https://giphy.com/gifs/animated-procrastination-J2BPke406WNMc
Staying Motivated
Motivation consists of three elements that may be summarized as the “three Ds” of motivation:
1. Drive
2. Discipline
3. Determination
Drive is the force within you that supplies you with the energy to overcome obstacles.
Discipline includes positive qualities such as commitment, devotion, and dedication. These qualities will push you you to keep going over an extended period of time.
Determination-People who are determined pursue their goals with a constant determination.
First you have to identify whatever motivates you and you would prefer it be something that can’t be taken away or lost, something that is permanent. For example my son is my ultimate motivation, its someone I know isn’t going anywhere and just knowing that he is relying on me is enough that I feel like I will never stop going. Its very hard to stay motivated during school, you start to get drained or you get distracted, etc. So you want to find something that is always going to be what you tell yourself when it comes to situations like this where you are debating a party or studying, or you start procrastinating, or get lazy.
Support and Resources
Resources refers to:
- Time
- Environment
- People
- Other supportive resources
Resource Management
- Use smart goal setting
- Prioritize multiple tasks
- Use a planner or technologies to keep a visual of things (Planner, Calendar, Google calendar, Trello)
- Create deadlines for yourself outside of the actual assignment deadline
Resources and support are extremely important, but especially important at times when you’re struggling or feeling less motivated. Some resources may also help you keep things organized and planned ahead, like a planner or calendar. Your family and friends may help you with advice or may help you study flash cards or learn a topic they already know about.
https://giphy.com/gifs/goldfish-hang-in-there-crackers-xUOrwo2UnalMgSfBBe