I am the leader of a great and powerful nation: The Procrastination. I'm going to finally admit it. I could wait until tomorrow, because well, as a procrastinator, that's my nature, but instead I'm going to take ownership of it today.
There are a couple of reasons for my confession. First being, summer is over and looking back on it, I really didn't accomplish everything I said I would. I had high hopes, some big lofty goals and some pretty basic plans. There are the songs on my guitar I didn't learn to play, the healthy eating plan I didn't start, the daily mile runs I didn't take, and the ice hockey I didn't learn to play. I didn't watch every Disney classic movie, nor did I read a book a week. My ears are still not pierced, and my legs have never been shaved, just to name a few. However, I'm happy to say there's one goal that I did accomplish this summer and that was to have the time of my life.
I need to set something straight on behalf of the Great Procrastination, a nation that numbers about 20 percent of the population in the United States. While some say we are a lazy bunch of people, with low self-esteem who may be afraid to make a decision or even incapable of it, I've got a more positive spin on why we procrastinate.
While we may not be doing what we originally set out to do, we are doing something even better, maybe a bit more creative and maybe more fun. The Creativity Research Journal studied a group of intelligent people, winners of the Intel Science Talent Competition, and concluded that procrastinators can actually be quite clever. They're not just sitting around not doing what they're supposed to do; instead they are "procrastinating efficiently and taking care of other areas of their life." The study also found that this particular group used procrastination as a tool; a "thought incubator" to develop a plan thoroughly before jumping into it, and a stress inducer "to ignite positive action."
Here's the other reason for today's confession. My parents may have learned to embrace my procrastination, and although they don't always approve of it, my teachers are another story. A good procrastinator does not make a good student. Although we may be a clever and creative bunch, clever does not get your homework handed in on time.
So, this year, (no, not next year), I've decided to change my procrastinating ways. No more Sunday night homework, no more Monday morning studying. I've managed to find a four-step process to Stop Procrastinating and Get the Job Done thanks to some highly organized productive people at About.com.
1. Make a List. You need to list all the necessary steps to get the job finished.
2. Make a Schedule. Decide when you are going to finish each of the steps
listed above.
3. Begin Each Step on Time. You've decided when you need to finish the job,
so you better start it on time.
4. Plan Your Deadline Before the Deadline. If you really do this, you'll finish
your work before it's due, and then you can go back and make it even
better.
Good news for me; I get to put my Procrastination Plan in motion. I just got my first social studies project of the year: A Study on the Restructuring After the Civil War. Can't wait to get started... tomorrow.
Peace Love Profits,
Blake