Assuming that you are a person of sane mind, there is a very high chance that you at one point in time have procrastinated. Maybe you did it to avoid doing an assignment or completing a chore or even something as simple as staring at the clock to avoid participating in class.
We all procrastinate. But why do we procrastinate? What is the reason for avoiding set tasks? Let’s start with the origin of the word. Procrastination comes from the Latin word “procrastinare” from pro- “forward” +crastinus “belonging to tomorrow,” or to forward something until tomorrow.
The social and political views on procrastination vary little over time or between cultures. It is written in many religious texts like the Bible that procrastination is a “spoiler of morality.” Of course, with history comes the views but what about the psychological implications? Why does the human mind procrastinate? The cause is unknown and highly disputed.
Some studies claim that procrastination fills the purpose as a defense mechanism against anxiety and low self-worth. For example, this article is a form of procrastination. I’m avoiding writing my two given articles because I fear how my articles will be received. However with this article, I feel more confident because it takes straight information and puts it out on a platter for your sampling pleasure.
Story continues below advertisementProcrastination seems to be closer linked to motivation than to focus. But what is motivation and how does it affect our ability to complete set tasks. The dictionary definition of “motivation” is as follows: the act or an instance of motivating, or providing with a reason to act in a certain way. Sure, the dictionary definition is nice and dandy, but how do I become more motivated? A common way to get motivated is to become excited about a goal.
Yes, it sounds rather obvious but think of a goal and convince yourself of the benefits of achieving said goal. For example, if you want to write an article for your school newspaper, think of how it could benefit you in life. It could earn you a few new friends who enjoyed your article. It could earn you recognition as a talented author. Or it could simply raise your grade in your journalism class.
I suppose the point I’m trying to get across is that you really should get off this site, turn off the computer, and get something done. Procrastination can be prevented by forcing yourself to become excited about something. If that last sentence wasn’t reason enough to get off your lazy behind and stop reading this article, then this is. It’s over.