“Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.”

—Christopher Parker

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Perfectionism and procrastination Perfectionism can be linked to procrastination. For example, a project can be difficult to start because the desire to get every detail perfect is overwhelming. Maybe the paper you are writing for composition class isn’t quite as good as you would like it. Or, the painting you are working on for art class doesn’t look quite like you’d hoped. So, you do another draft. You start over. And the project never gets turned in.

A helpful mantra for students who tend toward perfectionism is: “Done is better than perfect.” Perfection isn’t really possible, anyway, right? It’s a goal we are destined never to reach. Work toward excellence rather than perfection. And, when excellence is hard to attain, sometimes it’s OK to accept less. Give yourself permission to do what is realistic rather than ideal. After all, a finished project turned in on time is going to be worth more points than an almost perfect project that never gets submitted. Done is good.

Resources for Help Would you like to talk with someone about this issue? Make an appointment to meet with a Normandale Counselor. Counselors provide short-term, confidential counseling and referrals for long-term therapy as needed.

Normandale Community College Advising & Counseling Department, C1032 Phone: 952-358-8261 Psychotherapy, Short-term counseling and referral.

Sources:

• Becoming a Master Student, 10th edition, by David Ellis.

• http://addicted2success.com/success-advice/ the-6-different-types-of-procrastinators-find- your-type-well-show-you-how-to-fix-it/

What is Procrastination?

The term “procrastination” comes from the Latin for “a putting off from day to day” or “belonging to tomorrow”. We often put things off for a later time, and we do so for a variety of reasons.

Is procrastination always a bad thing? It is common for people to think that putting things off is a negative thing. “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today” is a proverb attributed to Benjamin Franklin. But sometimes, it can be helpful to put things off. Perhaps there is something more important that needs doing first, so you prioritize. Or, perhaps it is helpful to allow some time to let the issue “incubate” in your mind as you gather more information or get ideas. Maybe you thrive on last minute motivation, or perhaps putting something off gives you much needed time to rest.

When is procrastination a problem? Procrastination can become a problem when it is a means of avoidance due to feeling anxious, afraid, or unmotivated. Ask yourself: 1) Does your procrastination result in your work being done to a lower quality? 2) Does it cause you or others undue stress? 3) Does it cause you to finish projects late or not at all? 4) Has it become a habit that negatively affects other areas of your life? If so, it can be helpful to understand the reasons you procrastinate. Then you can change your mindset and behavior as you practice strategies for reducing problematic procrastination.

Reasons students procrastinate • To avoid feeling stupid. Failing because you

didn’t do it feels different than failing after having tried.

• Lack of interest and motivation. • Fear of failure. Remember that grades do not

determine your worth. • Fear of success: Sometimes success feels like

it leads to higher expectations, or it seems like it can separate us from others who do not follow the same path.

• It feels safe. If procrastination is what you are familiar with, it can feel safe even if it is harmful.

• Thrive on the last minute adrenaline rush.

Strategies for reducing procrastination • Count the costs. Acknowledging the costs

can help you kick the habit. • Trick yourself into getting started. Commit

to doing only 10 minutes worth of work. Chances are that you will find yourself more motivated to continue after the 10 minutes are done. If not, you’ve at least done 10 minutes worth of work!

• Choose to work under pressure. If you do your best work under pressure, then at least be in control. Make sure you leave enough time in your schedule.

• Give up “someday”. We put off lots of things until “someday”, and may end up waiting our whole lives to start living. Instead, take action today.

• Create goals that draw you forward. Keep your eyes on the prize, on the reasons why you are doing what you are doing. Set goals that excite you.

Procrastination is ‘the art of

keeping up with yesterday and avoiding today.’

—Wayne Dyer