Ever heard the famous adage “Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today”
Do you often find yourself doing more pleasurable things in place of less pleasurable ones, and putting off important tasks to a later time, sometimes to the “last minute” before a deadline? Like waiting until the last week to commence studying for exams, starting on your home-work late because you had to watch that latest block-buster movie, or shelving your house chores until later just to hang out with friends. This is called procrastination.
What Are The Causes?
Lack of motivation even when you understand the importance of the task.
Not having the discipline to manage your time, and prioritise your activities. Like watching one series after another of rather pointless reality shows, or spending an inordinate amount of time on social media discussing irrelevant things.
Why Is It Bad For You?
Loss of trust and respect: People may not be willing to rely on a procrastinator because they always wait until the last second to do something, and they may not even do it right.
Increase in stress levels: Because you have to wait until the very last minute, it means that you have very little time to do the same amount of work. This extra pressure results in increased levels of stress.
Reduced productivity: It also leads to severe loss of personal productivity, as well as disapproval for not meeting responsibilities or commitment.
What Is The Way Out?
Use your time wisely: If you start early on a task, you tend to get better results because you had a longer time to prepare.
Be more organised: This involves discipline on your part. This you do by ensuring to put each activity in its proper place, starting with the important ones, and working your way down to the least important ones. For example, studying for your test should come before watching a TV programme (you can always watch the repeat!). Better still, if you finish your task on time, then you will be able to watch that programme or join that social media chat in comfort and style.
In the long run, when you look back at what you accomplished at the end of the week, month or year, you realise that you got so much more done.
Why not try out these tips to see how well they work? Are there any additions you can come up with?
