Downfalls of procrastination

Putting off work and getting to it last second is common among students, and instructors should know this for a fact.

According to a 2007 meta-analysis collected by Piers Steel, who holds a doctorate in Organizational Psychology from the University of Calgary, stated that 80 to 95 percent of college students procrastinate.

Procrastination is ineffective leading to the stressful consequences of putting off important tasks.

The outcomes of putting work off until last second are hateful and harmful. Increase in levels of stress begin to accelerate as well as a decrease in well-being.

Based off of my school career, I’ve noticed that students who procrastinate tend to earn lower grades and appear more stressed.

According to Tice and Baumeister from Florida State University, “Procrastinators end up suffering more and performing worse than others.”

I can agree with their statement because I’ve never seen work that’s been put off until last minute that turned out perfect.

“The chronic procrastinator, the person who does this as a lifestyle, would rather have other people think that they lack effort than lacking ability,” said Joseph Ferrari, a professor of psychology at DePaul University.

Procrastination happens when an unappealing task is given to a person who lacks self-discipline and acts on impulses. Studies show that procrastinators carry feelings of guilt, anxiety and dishonor as a result of deciding to put work off until the last second. Procrastinators are completely aware of the work they are putting off and the outcomes behind it. They tend to use defense mechanisms such as making a joke about the outcome of their action.

“Emotional regulation is the story around procrastination, because to the extent that I can deal with my emotions I can stay on task,” said Timothy Psychl of Carleton University. I agree with Pychl’s statement because when I put off work for more pleasant activities, I end up having feelings of guilt. When feeling guilty, it’s more difficult for me to focus and stay on task. Often, procrastinators try to concentrate on how they can make themselves feel better and avoid what makes them feel bad.

Procrastination only chips away the most treasured quality to everyday life – time. With time comes getting tasks accomplished and ensuring the opposite effects of procrastination: success, serenity and gratitude.