When is shirking your work not lazy?
It seems like a trick question, but psychology says there are reasons a person might not complete a task, even given ample time. It's when the brain's metaphorical CEO decides to take a vacation, and it's called executive dysfunction.
Basically, it means the desire to do the task is there, but your brain is stuck on the "follow through" part like someone put a crowbar in its gears. It is like procrastination, except with executive dysfunction, we often don't make the conscious choice to avoid our work. It feels like pacing around the house being super anxious about an assignment--but never actually bringing yourself to finish it because you panic when you sit down to do so. Or, you just get so sad and tired that you're utterly repulsed by the thought of any academic work, even though you desperately want to do it. So, your afternoon turns into a Netflix binge-session as you design your GPA's tombstone in your notebook.
Though it's common for people with autism, ADHD and even depression, according to the American Psychiatric Association, absolutely anyone can experience it if they're sleep-deprived, stressed or sad. Finals week is the perfect time for all three of these to rear their ugly, debilitating heads and they can leave your mental health and GPA in shambles.
As someone with autism and depression, I deal with executive dysfunction on a daily basis, so let me give you a few tips on how to outsmart your brain when it doesn't want to cooperate. Your grades will thank you.
1. Side-step into the task.
When I have to tackle a boring paper, my executive dysfunction kicks in and I often end up laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, agonizing over how stuck I am. It's hard enough to even get to the computer. So, to get my butt moving I often tempt myself with something I do want to write or, if I don't want to write at all, some funny videos.
Once you're even at your work-space and have your task in the very back of your mind, it becomes easier for you to slip into what you're actually supposed to be doing when you get bored with your videos. The key here is to just start doing something.
2. Make working comfortable.
Brains are fans of warm drinks. And soft things like blankets. Also candles. The idea here is to make your work-space so happy and comfortable that you actually want to go there. Ask yourself how you'd like to feel right now and organize your surroundings to reflect that. Dirty rooms will be your downfall.
3. Use your weaknesses to your advantage.
I've got a huge sweet tooth, but I keep it in check. My fool-proof trick for getting stuff done is, actually, not to keep it in check. You heard me. Bring home a giant bag of your favorite food to eat while you work. Indulge. Make yourself so goddamn happy that typing that essay becomes a treat because you're stuffing your face full of SourPatch kids. You like that fancy coffee from Bordertown but you never could justify spending that much on it? Well, today's the day you give in to your poor judgement. You can then justify that judgement by cranking out that kickass paper.
At the end of the day, you're basically a monkey with complicated emotions. Monkeys don't like to slave away at things any more than we do, but our human brains are just smart enough to come up with really creative (annoying) methods to get out of work. It's not always laziness that creates these maladaptive coping mechanisms, but sometimes anxiety or burn-out.
The good news is that anxiety and burn-out are no match for monkey-you, who will do anything for yummy food and soft pillows.
So, go write that awesome final paper!
