Throughout our lives, we all have various day-to-day tasks that must be completed by a deadline. Maybe the house has to be cleaned before a party or there's a term paper due tomorrow at noon. No matter how long a list we may have, many people become so-called masters of a detrimental flaw. Procrastination. It isn't something that we necessarily want to do, but it gets the best of us. Put something off for too long and it could have negative consequences that affect the outcome on the situation.
Procrastination is like a bad habit, after it happens once, each subsequent time it becomes easier and easier to put things off. Personally, one of my worst moments of procrastination was waiting to do an eight page biology lab report the night before it was due. Academically, I did alright. I handed it in on time and got a B on it. Personally, I spent numerous hours working on it until 1 a.m., stressed myself out over the fear of not finishing the report on time, and didn't allow myself enough time to put more effort into the report and possibly get an A. Basically, I had no benefit from putting off the report to the last minute, and had I done it gradually, it would've been a lot less stressful.
Even though many of us see the bad effects of procrastination, we continue to do it. This needs to change, and realizing that you need to change your habits is the first step. Here are some helpful tips on how to end your procrastination, and soar higher than you ever have before.
1. Complete the task gradually by working on it over a longer period of time.
2. Eliminate distractions such as loud noise, your phone, or even your friends.
3. Find a space that is comfortable and easy to work.
4.Set personal goals for yourself and make sure you follow them "To the T."
5. Don't make excuses for putting stuff off.
7. Ask for help from friends if it becomes a problem.
I just finished my first year of college and personally, I procrastinated a lot. By the time second semester came around I knew how the "college life" went, and I set a goal for myself. I had told myself that I would get a higher GPA than I had first semester, and through hard work and dedication I was able to improve my overall GPA by .48 points, giving me a spot on the Spring Dean's List. This accomplishment showed me that if I put a stop to procrastination, focus and do the work, I will succeed more than I had before.
