Procrastination is an epidemic blazing its way across not only the youth of America, but every person in the world. Procrastination as defined by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is to put off intentionally and habitually. I’ve got to admit that I have been guilty of procrastination in the past, and I’m sure I’ll do it again in the future. With Age of Ex being such an independent class, it makes it just that much easier to procrastinate, so in an attempt to help you put out the fire of procrastination in your life, I thought that I’d share some of my best tips with y’all.
First of all, PLAN IT OUT. I cannot stress that enough. Getting everything you need done planned out and spread out from the very beginning so you don’t get overwhelmed at any time during your project. Then stick to that plan you make, and everything will go smoothly. Even use a simple to-do list! One trick that I like to use to keep myself on the plan I make is to reward myself when I stick to it and punish myself by missing out on something when I fail to meet those personal deadlines. Its amazing how just letting yourself get Starbucks or not letting yourself will motivate you to stick to that plan. Yes, this does require some self control, but thats another problem to talk about another time.
Next, Get away from distractions. Close out your Facebook, turn off the TV, and stick yourself at your desk. Yes you can still open a new Facebook tab, but a trick I use sometimes is that I open the tabs I need for my work, and then turn off my wifi until I get what I need done. You’d be surprised how much more quickly your work gets done when doing this, and I actually have more free time to waste later when I do this.
Lastly, use electronic calendars to your advantage. Like I said before, I set out personal due dates, but I don’t just keep them in my head where I might forget them, or on paper that I can ignore or lose. I use the Calendar App on my phone, computer and on my Google account. These all sync to each other instantly so I get a reminder to do what needs to be done. When I recommend that you make each calendar event have multiple alerts, that way if you ignore one, you get reminded again 20 minutes later, and you’ll be amazed how you’re getting work done on schedule. One really easy trick if you have an iPhone 4S or newer is that you can actually use Siri to add those personal due dates to your calendar. I do this and it just makes it that much easier. Go ahead! Hold down that home button, and ask Siri to add your next due date to your calendar, and you’re set!
Try out these new tips in your daily life, and I bet you’ll be happier, have more time for fun, and I bet you’ll even get better grades. Join me in the fight against procrastination!
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Images:
Procrastination meme: http://www.kilork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/procrastination.jpg
To Do list: http://www.123rf.com/photo_8357112_to-do-list-with-stop-smoking.html
Facebook Prohibited: http://youngandthrifty.ca/9-reasons-why-i-deactived-facebook/
iCal Logo: http://www.rovc.ca/content.cfm?id=102
The Age of Exploration Blog 
Windy Powell
October 11, 2012
Hello, my name is Windy Powell. I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed reading you post about preventing procrastination. I know I have fallen into procrastination several times; we all have at some point. I loved the suggestions you gave for preventing procrastination. I know when I close my Facebook tab I get a lot more done, and in less time. I also thought the idea of turning off your WIFI so that you weren’t tempted to use the internet was an awesome idea. My favorite though was to reward yourself for accomplishing task, and punishing yourself when you don’t complete a task on time. I will definitely be trying this tactic to help prevent my procrastination. I think you’ve done an outstanding job of giving several very successful ways to prevent procrastination. Thanks for sharing.
bo163
October 14, 2012
Hey Windy!
Glad I could help! Let me know how using my methods works for you!
Bo
Ashley Franklin
October 14, 2012
Hello,
My name is Ashley Franklin and I too, am a student at the Univ. of South Alabama. I was assigned your blog to follow for this week, and I must say I would read your blog even if it was not assigned to me. This post was very beneficial to me, because I am the worlds biggest procrastinator and I really must do better. I plan to do better by following your helpful tips. Thank you so much for sharing your tips.
bo163
October 14, 2012
Hey Ashley,
I feel your pain! Tell me how trying this stuff works out for you!
Bo
kandaceraybon
October 14, 2012
Hey! My name is Kandace Raybon. Like some of the other commenters, I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am also a huge procrastinator, so reading your blog gave me some great ideas on how to work on my problem. I love your idea of turning off wifi. I give in a little too easily, so I would probably turn it back on as soon as I wanted something, but I would have to put forth effort to stop doing what I need to do. My Internet actually stopped working a few weeks ago and I was amazed at how much I actually accomplished with such a huge distraction out of the way. It did end up being an issue considering I am taking an online class, but my house was very clean! Anyway, I will definitely remember your advice next time I am having trouble making myself do something! Great article!