nevertoolate Posted June 14, 2010 Posted June 14, 2010 I have a test tomorrow for a class I'm taking this summer. I've had three weeks to study for this test, and at this point I've not even made it through the material once. It's not even for lack of time. I've spent probably 25 hours procrastinating studying for this test. Most of it was spent on Facebook, some spent surfing the Internet, some eating junk food and some reading for pleasure. I do this over and over. I've been in college for five years now and it's always been the same. I'm not really learning what I should either, because I end up cramming for my exams after procrastinating and I can't retain what I learned in just one day. Today I changed my FB password to something very complicated and wrote it in the back of my planner. I logged out of my account. So FB isn't my problem today, but eating and Internet surfing seem to be. How do I change this???
Feelin Frisky Posted June 14, 2010 Posted June 14, 2010 That's the $64,000 question. IMO the problem is not in the person, it's in the authoritarian system which decrees what, when and how you'll learn and be tested. If however with new rational educational reform built on a client-server footing, you would be being helped to identify your own motivations and therefore following them academically in your own time would be obvious and fulfilling. I think society is full of dysfunction because of this old authoritarianism and randomized approach to forcing that which is not usually chosen or pursued but instead dreaded and simply gotten through reluctantly by the majority. It's all an ingredient in the bread of society and it's why we have so much jackassary in the taste of it.
Joe Normal Posted June 18, 2010 Posted June 18, 2010 This one is easy. Disconnect your home internet. Or, less radically, give your router/modem to a friend until your chores are done. Longer-term, the best way to handle procrastination is to make a habit of just starting on at least 1 chore each morning when you wake up. Just start and commit to doing 1 minute of work on it. Then after the minute is up, chances are you will just keep going and finish it, then do the same with the 2nd one etc. Most procrastination is just inertia. It is 10 times harder to begin a chore or unpleasant task than it is to keep going once you have started it. Once you realise that, your fear of chores diminishes so you become more willing to do them. It's a virtuous circle. The other main cause of procrastination is distraction by meaningless everyday trivia. The internet is a great example, so is TV. In this case, you just have to totally stop using the distraction, or at the very least, limit it to after most of the day is done. If you just spend 1 minute in front of the computer or TV, you will waste hours. So, a bit like the reverse of the "1 minute chore" tactic, you want to avoid that first minute of distraction. That 1 minute will turn into 25 hours just like before.
skydiveaddict Posted June 18, 2010 Posted June 18, 2010 Join the military. Your procrastination will be gone for good
whichwayisup Posted June 18, 2010 Posted June 18, 2010 I hope you did well on your test. Try going to a library to study. Less distractions and also it's quieter for you to study and do notes. Procrastination can be controlled, it's hard but you need to really push yourself and be strong. Fight urges to take breaks, answer the phone, text, and return emails, or browse the Net, facebook etc.
sam light Posted June 19, 2010 Posted June 19, 2010 I keep a list of my anti procrastination tips on my refrigerator and (as a file) on my computer. Starting the activity is really 90% of the battle. Tell yourself that you will quit after 5 minutes if you want to. Chances are you'll keep working. Big chores= break it down, 20 minutes today, 20 next day. Recall (in writing) some times when procrastination caused you harm. Much to do? Do something at least. Do something everyday. Treat? You want that meal, or you want to play that video game.... Pledge to work on something for 15 minutes b4 you reward youself with the game or treat.
Shakz Posted June 19, 2010 Posted June 19, 2010 It's all an ingredient in the bread of society and it's why we have so much jackassary in the taste of it. That was my major. OP, I suggest you put off worrying about this until tommorow, and get yourself a good night's rest.
Author nevertoolate Posted June 26, 2010 Author Posted June 26, 2010 Joe Normal: Your 1-minute rule helped immensely. Thank you! Know what I'm starting to realize? If I just do it and think about it less (it being anything I'm dreading doing or any problem I'm facing), I have a lot less anxiety about it all. Go figure.
Recommended Posts