I will do it tomorrow

Procrastination

"Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow," is the procrastinators motto. Although many of us have a joke or two at the expense of our procrastinating friends, it really is a problem that can be so severe for people that it affects their life and work. Students are often prone to procrastination in completing school work and studying for tests. To understand why people procrastinate it's necessary to understand what procrastination is and what causes it.

Procrastination is the avoidance of doing a task which needs to be accomplished ("Overcoming Procrastination," 2011). People who procrastinate often use unimportant tasks as excuses to avoid doing the important things that need to get done. It's the failure to complete important tasks that has the greatest effect on people who procrastinate. Procrastination often leads to feelings of guilt, inadequacy, depression and self-doubt ("Overcoming Procrastination," 2011). These feelings often intensify the behavior because it is the undesirable task that is believed to be the cause of these feelings.

There are different types of procrastinators. Arousal procrastinators are thrill-seekers who tackle projects at the last minute, pulling all-nighters at school and work (Zane, 2008). Avoidance procrastinators habitually put off hard or boring tasks and decisional procrastinators are paralyzed by indecisiveness (Zane, 2008).

The reasons people procrastinate vary and include poor time management, difficulty with concentration, fear and anxiety, negative belief systems, personal problems, boredom, unrealistic expectations and fear of failure ("Overcoming Procrastination," 2011). Procrastinators are often uncertain of their priorities, goals and objectives and therefore put off tasks that appear overwhelming ("Overcoming Procrastination," 2011). Things like television, internet, social networking, PDA's, cell phones and other electronic devices provide constant sources of distraction that contribute to more procrastination.

The problem of procrastination is widespread and is not limited to any age, gender or occupation (Zane, 2008). Studies show that 95% of us procrastinate once in a while and 25% of Americans are considered chronic procrastinators (Zane, 2008). The inability to complete work can cause stress and lead to consequences such as lower grades, poor performance reviews, and loss of relationships.

Overcoming procrastination is difficult because it is often rooted in other behaviors. To stop procrastinating behavior requires the ability to set and manage priorities. This can be accomplished through organization and keeping to a strict written schedule. An intention that is not in writing is only a wish. Putting deadlines in writing and setting goals to complete tasks will help avoid delaying behavior.

The working environment is also important for getting assignments completed. If TV and other devices are distracting, work at a library or other quiet area. This will help to reduce the urge to avoid putting off doing the assignment. It may be helpful to work in a group, as long as the group is focused, to help stay on track and not get delayed.