How to Conquer Procrastination

Hey -

Procrastination…..need I say more? Well, yes, and I will. When I hear this word, it brings a level of shame on my conscience. Putting off important work or responsibilities is something that has become far too common in today’s age. I’ve fallen victim to it more times than I can count, it sucks. You can catch yourself still scrolling on Instagram when the sun sets and you realize “Damn, I didn’t do anything today”.

The root for most of these occurrences tend to stem from the avoidance of stress that this work induces. Perhaps the time and effort that these responsibilities demand is what really drives people to put them off until the very last minute.

I put things off, such as homework or essays, because when it comes time to do the work, I overthink and fall into a chain of thoughts that overload my brain. This induces stress so overwhelming that it makes the work significantly harder to perform.

I’m only about a month and a half into my first semester of college and I made a realization: the work isn’t hard if you don’t view it that way. You are in charge of how the upcoming essay or presentation affects your mental state. I truly believe that it is all up to perspective and perception.

I remember this one particular essay that I had to write in my sophomore year of high school. It was a rhetorical analysis on this novel that I wish I could remember the name of, but the title doesn’t matter. I had about two weeks to get that paper done, yet I only began writing two days before it was due. I was in my room, with my laptop sitting on my lap, having my brain work overtime and getting these words on the page. The pressure to get this paper done was keeping my anxiety at a solid 110%. I was awake until three in the morning when I finally got my last word down on that essay. I sacrificed my sleep and my mental for the sake of completing an essay. The point is, I didn’t have to do that, but I did it anyway because I was too scared of confronting it when I was comfortable. When the time was ticking closer and closer to the due date, I had no choice but to confront the beast.

But what if I did start the work when I was comfortable? What if I did start the work earlier? I guarantee you that I would’ve gained more by beginning sooner than later. By succumbing to my procrastination habits, I didn’t gain anything, I only lost.

Fact of the matter is, do yourself a favor, and start the work early. One of the sayings that I often repeat in my head is: “Do your future self a favor”. Fold the laundry now so you don’t have to do it later, begin brainstorming now so you don’t have to stress about it anymore.

Remember: nobody told you that you have to do it all at once. Make a little progress now, then take a break and pick it up again later.

See you then.

- Ethan