The drama we create by leaving our assignments till the last minute
At this rate, procrastination might as well be my middle name. I have been held up at the procrastination station too many times before. As soon as something important comes up, my mind decides to focus on anything else. Got a project?…Oh look, a new season of my favourite tv show. Got an essay?…Wow my room could do with a big clean up. Got an exam to study for?…You know what I haven’t done in ages, rollerblading.
We are surrounded by endless distractions and ever-demanding responsibilities. I’m sure this is something that we all deal with. Since when has anyone ever needed to do an essay and decided to start right away? Are we waiting for the ‘right moment’ or are we just stalling? It’s almost as if we have become obsessed with the drama that is created out leaving something till the last minute. Will I complete it in time? We’ll have to wait and see.
Scrolling on social media, distracting ourselves with unimportant tasks, or watching ‘just one more’ episode–we all do it. When our teachers suggest “don’t leave this assignment till the last minute” we nod in compliance while thinking “I’m probably going to leave it till the last minute.” Procrastination has become a tool for avoiding important or pressured situations. It becomes a delightful escape as we ignore our responsibilities.
However, is procrastination all that bad? Some may suggest that procrastinating gives you a chance to relax and forget what may be stressing you out. As students we are under a lot of pressure academically, mentally, financially, and so on. It can be nice to take a break and breathe before getting back into it.
There is a conception that procrastinating is something to be guilty or ashamed of, avoiding your responsibilities is not often praised. The reason we procrastinate is often because we are putting a lot of pressure on ourselves to do the task to a high standard. By putting this pressure on ourselves we are creating a sort of fear of failure which is paralysing our ability to complete the task. Sometimes it can be easier said than done to ‘just do it’. Taking a step back and distracting ourselves with something else can be very helpful in this situation, until we are prepared to complete it.
Procrastinating can be exhilarating and strangely satisfying. When it comes to the point when you have finally achieved the task you almost feel a stronger sense of accomplishment. Instead of completing the task over a few weeks, you did it in a day. It’s risky, but the drama it creates can provide a little entertainment in our busy student lives.