Procrastination can be useful
Some of your best work can be done at the last minute, when you're most focused
One obstacle that so many people face during their high school career is procrastination. There always seems to be a lingering assignment, paper or chore to be done, and never enough time to actually do it. School and extracurriculars take up an incredible amount of time, yet sometimes the easiest choice seems to be putting off your work. This procrastination habit is something that I’ve been dealing with for years.
As much as waiting until the last minute can be viewed as a “bad habit”, it can be useful for getting things done quickly and efficiently. Sometimes being under pressure allows you to work harder.
This isn’t so effective for things that need to be completed over a long period of time, such as studying or working on a big project. Rather, writing a paper, small assignments, finishing math homework or cleaning your room can be done even if you have limited time on your hands.
Procrastination has the ability to spark a creative flow of ideas, more energy and more direct focus.
For me personally, being on a time limit is oftentimes the one factor that “forces” me to finally get something completed. It may be more stressful trying to write an entire unit of AP Psych notecards two days before they’re due, but I will be more intensely focused because of it.
Another thing to consider is that waiting until the last minute is okay occasionally. If prioritizing your wellbeing and rest is taking up your time, that may be more important.
This shows that procrastination is not always a negative, and learning to work with it is what’s most important.