Procrastination

“You may delay but time will not” ~ Benjamin Franklin

The famous quote of Benjamin Franklin highlights the inevitability of time moving forward and the consequences of putting things off. Ever found yourself staring at a deadline, knowing you should dive right in yet somehow choosing to scroll through your phone or binge-watch yet another episode of your favorite series? You are not alone!

Procrastination is a universal struggle we all face, turning even the simplest tasks into epic challenges. In this fast-paced world, where deadlines creep closer and tasks pile up, we all find ourselves stuck in procrastination. Have you ever wondered why we actually procrastinate? What could be the reason that we keep on postponing it?

There are several reasons behind this behavior. One significant factor is the desire for perfection, which often leads to delays in getting started. This quest for flawlessness can result in excessive revisions, and ultimately prevent us from making progress. Additionally, anxiety about our capabilities and worries about how others will perceive our work can intensify procrastination. The complexity of certain tasks, along with the repetitive nature of some work, can also create a cycle that feels difficult to break.

TIPS TO AVOID PROCASTINATION 

• Set Realistic Goals: We should always set goals that are achievable. Avoid setting unrealistic expectations.

• Divide Goals into Smaller Increments: There’s a difference between saying, "I’ll complete one chapter a week," and saying, "I’ll complete four chapters a month." Breaking down goals into smaller units provides a sense of satisfaction as we achieve them step by step.

• Create Firm Deadlines: Instead of thinking, "I’ll work on this for two hours every morning," set firm deadlines like, "I want this task completed by a specific date." This creates a sense of urgency and commitment.

• Map Out All Deadlines on One Calendar: When you see all your tasks laid out on one calendar, you’ll notice how they are interconnected. If today’s task affects tomorrow’s, you’ll feel a greater urgency to act immediately.

My Journey: From Procrastination to Success

It was February, and I had my CA INTERMEDIATE exams scheduled for May 2024 for UNIT 2D. Since I needed to appear for only two subjects, I thought I had ample time to study. However, my preparation was lacking. I kept postponing it, thinking I only had to prepare for two subjects. Everyone around me seemed to support the notion that tackling two subjects would be simple.

Later on, I realized that I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of procrastination, waiting for the exams to come. Procrastination was draining my productivity. Fortunately, I recognized the issue in time. It made me realize the cost of procrastination, which could have been failing the exams if I had continued delaying.

I rolled up my sleeves, established clear goals, and set firm deadlines. I committed myself to consistent studying. In the end, through introspection and diligent effort, I not only passed the exams but also achieved an exemption in both subjects.

It is human nature to believe that we can do things later. But what we tend to forget is that time never stops for anyone. Each moment we postpone a task, we’re not just delaying the inevitable; we’re allowing opportunities to slip away and potential to fade.

As we navigate our busy lives, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks and responsibilities. But by embracing the present and focusing on what we can achieve now, we can turn procrastination into productivity, ensuring that we don’t look back with regret.