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Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination
Author’s Name
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Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination
Delayla finds herself in a predicament common among many students: grappling with
procrastination, which, as highlighted in "Thriving at Trident," often stems from psychological
rather than purely time-management issues. For some, procrastination serves as a protective
shield for self-esteem, employing strategies like self-handicapping to justify potential
underperformance. Delayla's avoidance of her major paper until the last minute while immersing
herself in less daunting tasks, such as cleaning and emails, exemplifies this behavior. While these
activities temporarily alleviate her anxiety and guilt, they also intensify pressure as deadlines
draw nearer.
Given Delayla's current behavior, it is probable that she will continue postponing
substantial work on her paper until the deadline becomes urgent. This pattern suggests that she
may struggle to produce her best work under such time constraints, potentially leading to a lower
grade than she can achieve with more thorough preparation and revision (Burka & Yuen, 2008).
Breaking free from the procrastination cycle necessitates strategies beyond simply
starting tasks sooner. For Delayla and others in similar situations, breaking down tasks into
smaller, manageable components can reduce the overwhelming nature of large assignments.
Setting incremental deadlines for each project phase promotes accountability and ensures steady
progress. Additionally, challenging negative self-perceptions about one's abilities and seeking
support from peers or mentors can provide valuable encouragement and constructive feedback.
In my approach to managing coursework, I have established a dedicated schedule in the
evenings to complete assignments. This designated time is spent in a quiet study environment,
minimizing distractions and allowing me to focus fully on the tasks at hand. Implementing such
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time-blocking techniques is crucial not only for maintaining productivity but also for alleviating
the stress associated with impending deadlines (Hen & Goroshit, 2020).
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References
Burka, J., & Yuen, L. M. (2008).<Procrastination: Why do you do it, and what do you do about it
now? Hachette Uk.
Hen, M., & Goroshit, M. (2020). The effects of decisional and academic procrastination on
students’ feelings toward academic procrastination.<Current Psychology,<39(2), 556-563.
