Procrastination – Because We All Do It

Hi guys, this is my first blog for Uloop so I figured I would let you all get to know me a little bit better. Upon meeting me, you can pretty much learn quite quickly how bad I am at time management. I’m willing to bet that I am one of the biggest procrastinators you will ever meet in this lifetime, and for some reason I appear to enjoy pushing everything off till the last minute and stressing myself to the extreme. It’s not enjoyable, it makes me want to pull my hair out, and yet I have no idea why I do it and continue to do it. I have faith in the fact that I am not alone.

I go to Penn State, where there are 50,000 undergrads and graduate students and about 50,000 things to do at any given time. The library is usually full of frantic students banging out that paper right before its due, and the library café is usually overrun with students trying to get a caffeine fix before their 7 chapter exam. Why do humans procrastinate when we know it will only bring us stress?

Photo by superfantastic on flickr.com

As it turns out, procrastination typically does not start and stop with schoolwork. According to Joseph Ferrari, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at De Paul University in Chicago, and Timothy Pychyl, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Carleton University, about 20% of people are chronic procrastinators. This means that in all aspects of life, this percentage of people will put things off no matter what the domain. It is an act that is made over time, not given to us at birth, and it can truly hinder success. Psychologists have begun to study the idea that perhaps it can even begin in childhood as a form of rebellion or a way to act out against authoritarian parents. We’re also socialized to be nice so we often excuse procrastination even if we don’t believe the excuse of the procrastinator, which just gives them more reason to continue to engage in the act.

Dr. Ferrari has identified three different types of procrastinators:

1.) The arousal type-they get a rush from finishing something at the last minute.

2.) The avoider type-these are more afraid of failure than they are motivated by success so they would rather not find out on which side of the coin they will fall.

3.) The decisional type-this group is afraid of making decisions or just doesn’t want to, so they avoid getting things accomplished.

You might find, if you tend to procrastinate, that you can see bits of yourself in each category. I can think of instances where I have identified with each group. College students need to be extra careful, as procrastination can lead to issues with the immune system. I have seen a shift in my stomach patterns over time, and the stress has led to ulcers at points. The flu, cold, insomnia, and even the cold shoulder from group project members are other things that need to be looked out for.

GOOD NEWS!

The behavior can change. Push yourself and get it done. It’s not enjoyable-which is why you’re putting it off. But don’t let it affect your life, relationships, and your job someday. Take one day at a time, and complete one task each day. Leave notes for yourself, get a planner, get a calendar, become those annoyingly successful people who always seem so organized. It takes a push and a shove, but I’m taking baby steps, and trust me…If I can do it, you’re golden.