I have always been a procrastinator. Regardless of how interested I am in the subject or how concerned I am about achieving a high grade, my natural tendency to procrastinate will always prevail.
Maybe it’s the adrenaline surge that hits at 3 p.m. when I have yet to finish the six-page essay that’s due that very same night. Perhaps it’s the disturbed pride I get when I submit at 11:59 p.m. and a friend looks at me in shock with a slight sense of awe in their eyes. It’s most definitely not a case of laziness or poor time management like non-procrastinators love to say.
Respectfully, I don’t think procrastination is always bad. I also don’t necessarily believe that it makes one a bad student. I can count on a single hand the number of instances — throughout my years of procrastination — when it either didn’t “work” or I truly wished I had more time. This isn’t a lot, and it’s certainly not enough to overlook my success rate.
For instance, when I'm writing an essay, my brain tends to function at a higher level than usual because of the elevated stress that comes with having a near deadline. I’m able to trust my judgment and expand on my unique thoughts instead of second-guessing myself, which happens whenever I have more time. I also look at pieces of text with greater intention because every minute counts. This helps me refrain from adding unnecessary context and solely focus on the main points. As a result, I can finish the essay on time and still receive a good grade.
Just to clear up any confusion, I don’t think everything in life should be put off to such an extreme degree. However, the truth is that when I’m faced with work or an assignment, procrastination is not my immediate response. I’ll follow the typical process — reading the requirements, scheduling a time to begin working and occasionally conducting some preliminary research. That is, however, the maximum amount of work my body will allow me to accomplish until the deadline approaches and my procrastination instincts carry me to the finish line.
As a kid, adults used to tell me all the time, “You always have a choice.” However, I feel like this isn't true for everything, at least not in such a clear-cut way. I would’ve never chosen to be a procrastinator, but I suppose the universe had other plans for me.
For all of you feeling ashamed of your procrastinator ways, I sadly have no tricks up my sleeve. I only have support and encouragement the next time someone gives you a hard time for it. People will never relate to you unless they’ve been in your situation and have experienced the lure — and success — of procrastination.
My philosophy is this: if something is effective and not hurting anyone, why pressure to change it? So, ignore the haters. Procrastinators, let us unite … tomorrow.
