Monday, January 30, 2006
Procrastination
Dear Guidance Guy,
I have this big procrastination problem. It doesn't really affect my grades much because I can get work done quickly and easily and I think I've got it down to an art but I'd still like to kick the habit. I'll be going into college in two years and I worry what will happen if I keep it up. What I generally do is tell myself that I'll do all my work but keep putting it off either until morning or during classes which puts a bit of stress on to get it done. (Like right now, I should be working on my art project.) It also cuts into any time for my own projects or clubs. I have quite a few art projects I work on in any spare time as well as my desire to learn Japanese. I'm in 5 different clubs at school and have responsibilities for each one and I'm saddened that I can't put my full effort into them because I'm worried about other work I should have already finished. I've also put off sending this letter to you for quite a while.
Any advice would help. I just want to live up to my full potential!
Thanks,
Delayed
*****
Dear Delayed,
Most of the people who are big procrastinators are working on things they have to do, but don't want to do. You probably fit into this category.
Let's start with some good news. You seem to be very smart and have found ways to do your work efficiently. Obviously these will be helpful qualities in your senior year and in college. Learning how to get things done quickly and effectively is just as important as picking up the new skills and knowledge themselves.
I'm willing to bet you work on the things that interest you first, then move onto the "have to do" stuff. By the time you get to your "have to do" stuff, you've got that little shot of adrenaline over getting it done on time. Very typical for someone like you.
What this all means is the things you love are the things you should spend most of your time on. Have you thought about what you'd like your major to be, or what career paths you're considering? Once you have a little more focus you will find yourself with fewer things you have to do and more things you want to do. But you're right...there needs to be some balance so that you can take care of the things that high school students should be doing.
Here's an idea: get a daily planner if you don't already use one. It should be one that breaks the day down into hours. Don't worry about planning what you're going to do and when you're going to do it - at least not yet. Take a few minutes at night and record what you did that day by the hour. You may be surprised at how you actually use your time. You also might find time when you can get the "have to do" things done.
After a few days try planning your day the night before. Make sure you build in time for the things that bring you enjoyment, as well as the obligations to your schoolwork, family, etc. Within a week or so you will get the self-discipline to get everything done more effectively.
But the main message I want you to get is that you are doing great stuff. You should be proud of all you have learned to do. And as you get older and (undoubtedly) very successful you will find ways to delegate the "have to" stuff in your life to others. In fact, for some people your "have-to's" will be there "want-to's."
Thanks for a great letter,
The Guidance Guy
I have this big procrastination problem. It doesn't really affect my grades much because I can get work done quickly and easily and I think I've got it down to an art but I'd still like to kick the habit. I'll be going into college in two years and I worry what will happen if I keep it up. What I generally do is tell myself that I'll do all my work but keep putting it off either until morning or during classes which puts a bit of stress on to get it done. (Like right now, I should be working on my art project.) It also cuts into any time for my own projects or clubs. I have quite a few art projects I work on in any spare time as well as my desire to learn Japanese. I'm in 5 different clubs at school and have responsibilities for each one and I'm saddened that I can't put my full effort into them because I'm worried about other work I should have already finished. I've also put off sending this letter to you for quite a while.
Any advice would help. I just want to live up to my full potential!
Thanks,
Delayed
*****
Dear Delayed,
Most of the people who are big procrastinators are working on things they have to do, but don't want to do. You probably fit into this category.
Let's start with some good news. You seem to be very smart and have found ways to do your work efficiently. Obviously these will be helpful qualities in your senior year and in college. Learning how to get things done quickly and effectively is just as important as picking up the new skills and knowledge themselves.
I'm willing to bet you work on the things that interest you first, then move onto the "have to do" stuff. By the time you get to your "have to do" stuff, you've got that little shot of adrenaline over getting it done on time. Very typical for someone like you.
What this all means is the things you love are the things you should spend most of your time on. Have you thought about what you'd like your major to be, or what career paths you're considering? Once you have a little more focus you will find yourself with fewer things you have to do and more things you want to do. But you're right...there needs to be some balance so that you can take care of the things that high school students should be doing.
Here's an idea: get a daily planner if you don't already use one. It should be one that breaks the day down into hours. Don't worry about planning what you're going to do and when you're going to do it - at least not yet. Take a few minutes at night and record what you did that day by the hour. You may be surprised at how you actually use your time. You also might find time when you can get the "have to do" things done.
After a few days try planning your day the night before. Make sure you build in time for the things that bring you enjoyment, as well as the obligations to your schoolwork, family, etc. Within a week or so you will get the self-discipline to get everything done more effectively.
But the main message I want you to get is that you are doing great stuff. You should be proud of all you have learned to do. And as you get older and (undoubtedly) very successful you will find ways to delegate the "have to" stuff in your life to others. In fact, for some people your "have-to's" will be there "want-to's."
Thanks for a great letter,
The Guidance Guy
