The word “procrastination” doesn’t sound all too unfamiliar for most teens in this generation. We are all probably guilty of having resorted to procrastination now and then. With the rapid advancements of technology and increasingly dense internet culture, it truly has become difficult to not be submerged in the world of endless scrolling and instant dopamine gratification. The important thing is that the habit of procrastination could evolve into a far more dangerous lifestyle than you may perceive, hindering you from reaching your utmost potential and performance. Now is the time to take action. Not in a couple of hours, not tomorrow, but now.
Author: Nil Alper
If you look up the definition of “procrastination”, the first result you will most likely see is the one by the Oxford Dictionary which describes procrastination as “ the action of delaying or postponing something.” That doesn’t sound all too bad right? This approach in defining procrastination roots more from a consequentialist thought and does not account for the intention behind it. Thus, let me give you a more internal definition of procrastination: “Procrastination, is the intentional act of delaying or avoiding a task, obligation, or responsibility, in resuming real-time comfort.”
So, can we as humans completely extinguish the habit of procrastinating? The answer, although quite unlikely, is yes, however, what most people should aim for in fighting procrastination is in battling against the tendencies that facilitate it. Whether it be scrolling on social media, playing on your computer, or shopping online, your time to engage in such activities should not be overwhelming. Prioritizing your responsibilities is key to pursuing not only a successful career but also a healthy mindset. Procrastination typically leads to the feeling of regret and regret leads to the most heavy burden of guilt. The feeling of guilt is draining, it’s shameful and it’s humiliating. No one likes feeling guilty, especially at the hands of their own. Although to what extent one may feel guilty varies for each individual, it undeniably revokes peace of mind and promotes disappointment.
Furthermore, you may believe your procrastination only has consequences for you, but you would be wrong. Procrastination is one of the many self-destructive habits, in which the first victim will be the perpetrator themselves, followed by the people around them. Your procrastination not only affects you psychologically but also academically. Delaying tasks and avoiding responsibilities, especially at a young age, will not prepare you for the greater obligations that you will have to pursue in the future and will make the thought of being responsible appear all the more daunting.
Procrastination should never be integrated into the character. If procrastination grows beyond an exceptional habit, it will blatantly start showing its consequences on those surrounding you, creating disillusionment of your external perception. Say you didn’t hand in your homework. Once, twice, three times…You will be disappointed in yourself, so will your teacher, and most likely your family as well. The consequences of one’s actions will only span so far internally. That is why immediate action is needed in cutting off such bad habits, not only to prevent harm to those around you but to yourself as well. Doesn’t it feel great to submit an assignment on time or finish well before the deadline? It is of course just as overwhelming to constantly be responsible, but the rewards for doing so will follow quickly in all aspects of life. Conversely, when overwhelmed by the negligence of responsibilities, you will only be rewarded with consequences and burdens in the long run.
So, where do you even start? First, identify what makes you procrastinate. What do you resort to when you are procrastinating? It may be your phone, your computer or even your friend or partner. If the matter is not urgent, leave it aside, inform them that you have other responsibilities awaiting you. Remind yourself you can resume your comfort once the task is finished. Establish boundaries and time limits, and remain consistent.
Say, for example, you are preparing for an exam. Plan your study and break hours rigorously, and account for your performance and needs in doing so. If you like studying for a long period, dedicate yourself to a long break as well. Try to balance out your tasks in a way that will allow you to advance without burdening yourself. Don’t narrow yourself down to the standards of other people, adjust yourself to your needs and minimize the possibility of cheating.
Cheating your way out will only take you back to the start. Your goals must be your primary focus. This will not only help you rid of a weak mindset but boost determination and ambition. Though it takes time to see the results, and at times quitting may appear much easier than succeeding in those long-term goals, remind yourself that you already are proceeding. Every step taken is a part of the process and a reward in itself, the result is what is deemed as the final step but the true accomplishment lies in the completion of the procedure.
Additionally, remind yourself that you are also human. Sometimes there are circumstances out of your control that may end up pushing you to delay certain responsibilities and that is completely normal as well. What matters is the acknowledgment of the fact that the intentional way of procrastination is the beginning of a very reckless lifestyle. Getting back on track can be exhaustive, which is why you should try to regulate your management of responsibilities consistently and avoid slip-ups at your best. You are in control of yourself and although change may not come so easily, dedication is what will set you on the right path. We are constantly surrounded by self-destructing habits and the battle for self-improvement becomes challenging. Stay strong and committed, and you will be able to indulge in your success not only at the end but through your very own progress as well!
Cover picture by: geralt – Pixabay
Edited by: Ieva Stalauskaite, Johanna Larssona Krausová
