Procrastination
Procrastination
"Procrastination" is a verb meaning "to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done." It is human nature to procrastinate; everyone does it to some degree. But sometimes it can lead to feelings of guilt, inadequacy, depression and self-doubt that can become a major problem, and one of the biggest roadblocks, to achieving academic success.
Is Procrastination a Problem?
Typically, procrastination is seen as a problem when it
disrupts some area of a person's life. Judith Provost has
proposed seven conditions that reflect a level of disruption in
one's life, due to procrastination. Check this list to determine
whether or not procrastination is a problem for you.
____ 1. I sometimes feel sick from the physical and psychological
stress of putting off work that I know needs to be done.
____ 2. I sometimes feel depressed and not in control,
having lost self-confidence and self-esteem because of my procrastinating
behavior.
____ 3. Sometimes I feel paralyzed and unable to act and
to make decisions.
____ 4. I feel that I have lost the respect of others because
of my procrastinating behavior.
____ 5. The quality of my academic work is less than what
I know I can do.
____ 6. I have had serious conflicts in my relationships
because of my procrastination.
____ 7. My procrastination has created an obstacle to the
achievement of my significant personal goals.
If you checked two or more of these items, procrastination
seems to be affecting your life in a negative manner.
Reference: Provost, J. A. (1990),
Work, play, and type: Achieving balance in your life. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc.
Why Procrastinate?
All people procrastinate at some time or another and most are aware of how procrastination works against them. Yet, for most people, procrastination can also work for them. For instance, you can delay making decisions or doing work in order to give yourself time to get your thoughts in order. You can also choose to put off a task because it has a low priority. But, procrastination can also serve as a way to avoid something. At the time, that "something" may seem to you to be even worse than the consequences of the procrastinating behavior.
The following are six basic reasons why you may procrastinate. As you read this section, check those reasons that seem to apply the most to your situations. These categories are not mutually exclusive, thus, you may see some of yourself in more than one section.
Adapted from McNickle and Sanderson (1993) Procrastination: Problem or Plus? Kansas State University, University Counseling Services.
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