What is it?
It’s fair to assume we’ve all been there. We need to do something but delay doing it even if we know the consequences of such actions won’t be positive. For example, you have a paper to submit in one month, so you might tell yourself you have plenty of time to work on it, and you delay doing it for now. As the deadline approaches, you’re starting to worry you might not have as much time as you thought, so you begin to make a plan for what needs to get done. You create a list of things you need to do, perhaps schedule some more time on your calendar to write your paper, and you’re beginning to feel more confident in yourself. To some, doing this kind of planning can be stimulating and fuel their fire to push through the work quickly. For others, this can be intimidating, to the point they feel discomfort and seek emotional relief – doing everything but the things that need to be done. That’s procrastination. I’m not immune to procrastinating, and I usually know when I’m doing it. I delay the inevitable of doing something, knowing full well the consequences of my actions. I know it’s a bad habit that needs to be changed.
Below are suggested ways to stop procrastination:
Work on removing distractions (e.g., food, social media, etc.)
Plan your day ahead (e.g., at the end of each day, try to plan your next day so you can hit the ground running)
Create a manageable to-do list (e.g., don’t set yourself up for failure by listing too many tasks on your to-do list)
Visualize the results; you’ve got this!
Take breaks throughout the day (this is so important – find ways to decompress - but stay on schedule)
Prioritize important and urgent tasks (these are often the least enjoyable tasks and when most people begin to procrastinate; find ways to incorporate these tasks in your schedule, so you don’t leave them all to the last minute)
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix to this issue, but you can create better work habits to help you get through the discomfort of starting a project or completing it. What works well for me is asking for help and being accountable to someone who can encourage me to keep going when I begin to struggle. The students I have worked with have told me that I am that person for them.
Procrastination and Graduate School Applications
How do you stay motivated as you decide to apply to graduate school and notice the list of things you need to get done? When I begin working with students, they are very enthusiastic about the prospect of going to graduate school and pursuing their goals. When they find out all the work that goes into applying to graduate school, worry often ensues. I get it. There’s a lot that needs to be done, and if you’re like most people, you already have a lot on your plate to juggle.
When I work with students, my goal is to get to know them better. Not only academically but personally. Where do they struggle, and how can I best assist them? Together, we set achievable goals and create a timeline of when and what needs to get done to submit a strong application.
My work is customized to meet the specific needs of each person I work with and involves much more than helping with the administrative side of the graduate school application process. I’m here to help increase your self-confidence and provide an opportunity for self-discovery. You will most likely procrastinate on your work, but I can support you along the way and help you to move forward toward your goals.
Debby
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