Quarter 2: Time Management and Overcoming Procrastination

12/16/2021

Why do we procrastinate? It really is a human condition - it is an emotional reaction to something we don't want to do. The more adverse you are to a task, the more likely you are to procrastinate. We tend to procrastinate when we view a task as:

  • Boring
  • Frustrating
  • Difficult
  • Not intrinsically rewarding (you don't find the process fun)
  • Lack personal meaning

Why do we procrastinate? It really is a human condition - it is an emotional reaction to something we don't want to do. The more adverse you are to a task, the more likely you are to procrastinate. We tend to procrastinate when we view a task as:

  • Boring
  • Frustrating
  • Difficult
  • Not intrinsically rewarding (you don't find the process fun)
  • Lack personal meaning

How can we overcome procrastination?

Old habits die hard! and new habits take time to form (at least 21 days!), so as you venture into making some changes in your current time management habits, it may be frustrating or feel like it it's not going to work but stick with it! Set little goals to make it manageable and provide feelings of success along the way.

  • Reverse the triggers (listed above). If you are dreading writing an English paper because you find doing so boring, turn it into a game: see how many words you can crank out in a 20-minute period - try to get a new PR the next time you sit down to write.
  • Set a time limit: If you only had to work on the task for an hour would that make you want to get it done? What about 30 minutes? Find the period of time within your "resistance level" and commit to working for that amount of time...I bet you will find once you start you will want to keep on going!
  • Simply do something - anything - just get started!
  • Think of the cost of procrastinating - Is the potential negative fall-out of procrastination gone wrong worth it?
  • Disconnect - if you notice that you are using a device (aka cell phone) to procrastinate, disconnect. Consider disabling your digital advice in advance.

Planning/Goal Setting and managing your time are key to combating procrastination!
Setting Priorities = Achieving Goals

Prioritize so you can focus energy and attention on what really matters.

Goals should be SMART:

  • SPECIFIC
    • I will study for 20 minutes each night VS. I will do my best to study
  • MEASURABLE
    • I will write out a study plan for my math test VS. I will study
  • ACHIEVABLE
    • I will attend every practice for my basketball team VS. I will learn how to play three sports and be voted MVP for each team
  • REALISTIC
    • I will complete my homework assignments VS. I will spend all my time studying
  • TIMELY
    • I will spend 30 minutes each night this week on my English paper VS. I will work on my paper each night

Time Management Tips:

  • Get organized - use a planner to organize activities
  • Establish a daily routine
  • Break big/long/overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks
  • Chose activities wisely- don't overbook
  • Be positive, flexible, and realistic
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