The struggles of a major in procrastination

“Why do it today when you can do it tomorrow?”
Procrastinators

Welcome to the world of procrastination, where “I’ll do it later” is the motto of students everywhere! If procrastination were a major, it would have its own campus filled with cozy bean bag chairs, unlimited snacks and all-night Netflix binges.

Here, assignments are pushed aside, deadlines are never met and actually getting things done feels as rare as finding a hidden treasure on campus.

You might find yourself scrolling endlessly on your phone or getting lost in a YouTube rabbit hole instead of tackling that essay due tomorrow. It’s a chaotic yet relatable experience that many of us face, often feeling trapped in a never-ending cycle of stress and avoidance.

So, let’s dive into this all-too-common behaviour, explore its impact on our lives and discover some strategies to finally kick away the procrastination for good.

Avoiding your work

A man is struggling to stay awake in the office. — *Via GIPHY*

Procrastinating isn’t just a bad habit, it also enhances avoidance and anxiety. Picture this, you’ve got a paper due next week, but suddenly, you decide that organizing your sock drawer is the most important task on your to-do list (even though you haven’t sorted socks since last semester!)

You might even convince yourself, “I work better under pressure!” But let’s be honest — most of us are just trying to run away from our fears and avoid the thoughts of perfectionism.

The truth is, procrastination often feels like a way to avoid the discomfort that comes with tackling a challenging task. It’s easier to scroll through social media than to face the fear of not doing well on that assignment.

The more we avoid it, the bigger it seems, turning a simple task into a mountain that becomes too big to climb later on.

Reasons for procrastinating

A woman is throwing sheets of paper away. — *Via GIPHY*

Let’s talk about some reasons behind procrastination: fear, boredom, distractions and poor time management. First up is the fear of failure. You start to think, “What if I mess this up? What if my professor hates it?” Suddenly, watching a movie seems like a good way to distract yourself.

Then there’s perfectionism. That nagging voice tells you, “If it’s not perfect, why bother?” So, you end up saying, “I’ll wait until I’m in the right mood.” This just keeps you stuck in a cycle of procrastination, always waiting for a moment that never comes.

Boredom plays a big role too. If a task feels too boring or long to complete, it’s easy to drift into distractions like scrolling through TikTok. Before you know it, hours have flown by and your assignment remains pending.

Lastly, poor time management makes everything harder. Without a clear plan, even folding laundry can seem overwhelming.

Stress and regret

A man is sitting at his desk and asking the other people in the room "Is anybody else starting to feel stressed? — *Via GIPHY*

Procrastination often leads to stress and anxiety — like being trapped on a rollercoaster that just won’t stop! As deadlines get closer, cramming becomes your go-to strategy and let’s face it, the quality of your work takes a toll.

When you wait until the last minute, you might end up tossing together something that doesn’t truly reflect your abilities, leaving you feeling guilty. The longer you let procrastination take control, the harder it becomes to escape.

This overwhelming feeling can make it even harder to start your work, creating a perfect storm of stress, anxiety and regret. Before you know it, you’re caught in a spiral that feels nearly impossible to break!

Breaking tasks down

A man is saying the words "LET'S START WITH SOMETHIN' SIMPLE" — *Via GIPHY*

But fear not, fellow procrastinators! There’s hope! It’s time to equip yourself with some effective strategies to tackle this common battle.

First up, let’s break tasks into manageable pieces instead of trying to tackle an entire project all at once, focus on one little section at a time. By breaking your work down, you not only make the task feel less daunting but also create opportunities for celebration.

Celebrating small accomplishments can give you a much-needed boost of motivation and remind you that progress is happening, one step at a time.

Before you know it, you’ll have wrapped up your project, feeling accomplished and ready to take on the next challenge!

Balance work and play

A woman is dancing and saying the words "I AM THE ORGANISED ONE." — *Via GIPHY*

Now, let’s talk about scheduling, your trusty sidekick in the battle against procrastination! Creating a schedule can be a game-changer. Think of it as your roadmap to success, guiding you through the path of deadlines and distractions.

Set specific times for work and play. You can reward yourself with a little Netflix after finishing a task, just remember: one episode only (if you lose focus, you might find yourself several seasons deep before you know it!).

A plan not only keeps you focused but also makes the workload feel less daunting. Plus, having a plan allows you to schedule short breaks for relaxation.

Overall, a good plan turns your work into a more enjoyable experience and helps you stay productive.

Seeking support and embracing mistakes

Two girls are sitting with books, giving each other a fist bump and smiling. — *Via GIPHY*

As you try these strategies, remember to be kind to yourself. Everyone procrastinates sometimes, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it happens. If you make a mistake, think of it as a chance to learn.

Teaming up with friends can also be a fantastic motivator. Share your goals, keep each other accountable and turn study sessions into fun hangouts with snacks and laughter.

Finally, let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Mistakes are just part of the journey. Embrace them, learn from them and keep moving forward.

After all, every great adventure has its share of silly moments!

A woman is pointing at the screen and nodding and we can see the words "YOU GOT THIS" at the bottom. — *Via GIPHY*

Procrastination may feel like a tough opponent, but it doesn’t have to rule your life. By understanding why we procrastinate and using some fun strategies, you can turn this daunting challenge into something manageable.

So, whether you’re a proud procrastination major or just trying to get your act together, remember: it’s all about progress, not perfection.

With a little bit of patience and focus, you can tackle the delightful chaos of student life, one task at a time!

It’s time to take control and show procrastination who’s the boss!

You’ve got this!

Feature image courtesy of Magnet.me via Unsplash.

Need more ways to defeat procrastination? Check out five proven ways to overcome procrastination!