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Tomorrow, Tomorrow, we will do it Tomorrow

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Tomorrow, Tomorrow, we will do it Tomorrow

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This is a video that focuses on... (note to self, finish this later)

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"Procrastination" Tales Of Mere Existence

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If you do not trust me or these other legitimate websites, then at least trust Ellen.

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Stop Procrastinating - ellen degeneres - How To Stop Procrastinating - Very Funny

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Here lies the psychological reasoning to procras- tination. This website mentions why you procrastinate, the pros the  not procrastinate, and some tools to help
over come.

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Procrastination | Academic Skills Center: Study Skills Library | Cal Poly

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Study Skills Library: Procrastination (for Academic Skills Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo)

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10 Ways to Stop Procrastination Today (NOT Tomorrow) ;)

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10 Ways to Stop Procrastination Today (NOT Tomorrow) ;)

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Reducing the time you procrastination is just as hard as knowing when you have had enough to eat. From prior knowledge I know this can be quite the feat. So to get you started check out this link that gives you ideas on how to make your procrastination habits become ex stint.

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"Procrastination is opportunity's assassin." -V.Kiam

I recently had one of my readers, Maya*, ask me to write about procrastination. Now I'll be honest with you, (please don't hate me), when I was in college I was that girl who had her paper written at least a week before the due date. I always did things way ahead of
time, and never stressed about homework. Seriously, never.

This recipe ensured many 100% on essays and tests, and A's for life.

Yep, I mostly got 100's on my tests. And trust me, I'm not a super genius (see my SAT/ACT/GRE scores). However, if I can study for a test I will ace it. And I will not give up my social life. And I will enjoy the process. And you can too.

Maya asked me about tips to help her stay motivated and not procrastinate, and explained one of the issues she struggles most with is:

"I find excuses why I don't have to study right at that moment. It's like I trick myself into believing that I'll eventually get it done and it'll be fine, but it never is. Because of this, I end up just giving up on trying to get things done on time because I feel like such a disappointment when I give myself goals that I don't accomplish."

What are you procrastinating that's actually limiting your life, draining your energy, and keeping you from a 4.0? If you procrastinate picking your clothes up off your bedroom floor but it doesn't bother you, then it's not really a big deal. However, if you aren't getting the grades you want, missing opportunities, or disappointing yourself and others, then it's time to seriously change your habits.

Pay attention to the excuses you make to continue your procrastination. Excuses are those little voices inside your head that tell you it's okay to put something off. Recognize any of these?

"I work best under pressure"

"Procrastination is a natural part of college"

"I can write this paper in one draft"

"I won't get an A anyway so why bother"

"This won't take that long - I'll have plenty of time later"

"I'll start this after..."

"This won't be that hard"

"I'll eventually get it done - I always do"

I'm sure you could add many more to this list. Notice your excuses and label them as excuses, not comforts. Stop that little voice and replace it with action.

When you procrastinate you may think you are controlling your homework by putting it off until the last minute, but in reality, when you procrastinate your homework controls you. Deciding to complete a project ahead of time allows you to control the timeline and your grade.

The first thing I do when I consult with students about time management and procrastination is for them to show me their to do list (if they even have one). Most lists say things like "English essay" or "read Huckleberry Finn" This is the worst possible way you could write a to do list.

First of all, if you look at "English essay" all you're going to think is "ugh I do not want to write a whole essay right now." It is much easier to begin a task if it says "write 1pg. English essay outline."

All projects should be broken down and divided over a timeline you create (i.e. you are in control, and you can create pressure for yourself if you do work best under pressure). But of course, tasks can only be broken down if you create your plan AS SOON AS YOU GET AN ASSIGNMENT.

Every item should start with a verb (e.g. write, read, outline, do) and then be as SPECIFIC as possible and represent a task that would take you no more than 2 hours.
So for example, "read Huckleberry Finn" should be: "Monday: read pgs 1-30 in Huckleberry Finn." Suddenly this task doesn't seem so daunting.

Especially when you commute to college your instinct is to schedule your classes as close together as possible so you can drive, go to class, and then leave. Resist this urge and schedule your classes far apart and make that time your designated daily study time.

Find a great spot in the library (avoid studying in your room at all costs), sit down and create a to do list JUST for that scheduled time, do NOT open Facebook, and then don't stop until the time is finished.

Maya mentioned she knows breaking tasks down and time management are important, but she finds what is most difficult for her is maintaining momentum and motivation through the end of the semester. She makes plans to get ahead and then falls behind and then feels so disappointed.

To stay motivated, write out your short and long term goals for your life and post them on the inside of your binder or book. Remind yourself why you're in school and where you want to go in lifeconstantly. If you don't have that clear picture yet, start searching now.

If you don't have a clear goal and are not excited about what school is going to help you accomplish, then it will be almost impossible to muster up motivation to do things ahead of time.

7. Be accountable
Get a mentor or a friend to keep you accountable with your procrastination during a semester. Buddy up with someone in your class. Find a college adviser or mentor and tell them your goals for overcoming procrastination and ask them to follow up with you.

Surround yourself with people who care about school and who do not take pride in procrastinating. These kind of people will help you stay motivated and will not distract you.

8. Don't be hard on yourself

Do not punish yourself, but instead when you find yourself cramming and are wondering how you got there, make a plan to avoid this next time. Figure out what went wrong and instead of slapping yourself on the wrist, promise yourself you'll implement a new plan for the next test. And when you do, reward yourself and compliment yourself.

9. Take one day at a time

Remember procrastination is a habit and like all habits it is hard to beat it overnight. However, you'll never beat it if you don't start today.

Stress causes so many problems, and believe it or not, Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy is one of the best books on procrastination. You can preview the concept in this short 1:28 video and/or
If you had a frog on your plate and just ate it and got it over with, you would be able to enjoy the rest of your meal. However, if you put it off, it will drain your energy and you will slowly be filled with dread and stress. buy the book here. In short, Tracy says you should do the hardest thing you have to do as early as possible because it will give you huge dose of energy. college does not have to be stressful. In fact, done right, it shouldn't be stressful. If it is, talk to someone and change your habits. And keep the questions coming at isa@isaadney.com as I'd love to help you make your college life less stressful. Thanks Maya - I hope this helps!

*name has been changed for privacy
To learn more about my personal college journey & how you can reach your college goals grab a FREE e-copy of the first chapter of my book Community College Success: How to Finish with Friends, Scholarships, Internships, and the Career of Your Dreams! Claim your free copy on the Facebook page!

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10 Ways to Stop Procrastination Today (NOT Tomorrow) ;)

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"Procrastination is opportunity's assassin." -V.Kiam I recently had one of my readers, Maya*, ask me to write about procrastination. Now I'll be honest with you, (please don't hate me), when I was in college I was that girl who had her paper written at least a week before the due date.