By Meghanne Adams–
Procrastination is something that almost everyone is guilty of from time to time, and it is seen more commonly on college campuses or in academic settings.
Procrastination, according to the article “Procrastination Makeover: Homework Edition,” can lead to stress that causes headaches, insomnia, depression and fatigue. So, if procrastination stresses people out, can weaken the immune system and limits success of the task once it is done, why do people procrastinate?
In “Procrastination Makeover,” author Karen Kasland demonstrates that procrastination isn’t just putting off something that needs to be done. Procrastination is putting off a task with full knowledge that it will make the situation worse. In addition to homework, people put off all kinds of things: diets, exercise, changes of bad habits, dentist appointments, etc.
Kasland argues that people procrastinate because it temporarily relieves discomfort. She uses information from Monica Basco, a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Arlington who wrote “The Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting Things Done.” Basco argues that people procrastinate because of the short-term payoff and reward they get from doing so. Watching television, downloading music, eating and sitting around is temporarily more rewarding than most of the tasks that are being put off. And that’s the problem.
Procrastinators need to learn to focus on long-term rewards. Focusing on long-term goals and rewards reminds people that finishing that paper that is due in a week will pay off more than sitting on the computer for two hours.
You can avoid that nagging, terrible feeling you get while you’re procrastinating by following some of the tips in Kasland’s article. Her first tip is something probably everyone can agree on: disconnect. Technology is usually the first thing people use as a procrastination tool. People get on Facebook, watch movies, text, talk on the phone, etc. By turning off cellphones, televisions and by disconnecting things like Twitter and Facebook you can minimize distractions while trying to complete a task.
The next tip is to start with the most unpleasant part of the task first and get it out of the way. Finding a role model can also be motivating and helpful. Being healthy is also very important, says Kasland. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and eating right. By following a few of these tips, you can beat procrastination and lead a more productive life.
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