By Andrew Olague
Pulse Staff Reporter
Procrastination is something that we have done at least once, and while we think we can get away with it, our professors can detect the lack of work.
Procrastination can be prominent in the college community. Procrastination is harder than ever to get away from with the amount of technology in our possession. Professors can see the lack of work when students rush toward the very last minute.
One example of procrastination: writing a long, detailed paper for an English class. While some students work on their paper early, more often than not, the majority will wait until the last minute to get the paper started.
Usually, students who procrastinate on the paper will have signs in their work, like small details that take time to notice and trying to cover up the lack of research with jargon:
“I utilized a multi-pronged tool to process a starch resource,” rather than,
“I used a fork to eat a potato.”
In most cases, it is best to keep papers easy to read and try not to impress readers with big words used in a wrong manner.
“Lack of development, lack of voice (how it sounds), words out of place, and ideas not developed…I feel like when students procrastinate, they miss out on the opportunity to see what they are capable of,” said Caroline Mains, an English professor.
Procrastination studies have shown that there are four thought processes in college: self doubt (Can I do this work?), understanding thoughts (I am confused.), feelings (I’m afraid of the midterm.), and behavior (Skipping class.). The biggest step in stopping procrastination is finding the main issue out of these four studies and having a solid relationship with professors.
“I personally do better under the pressure of the last minute,” said Jessica Garcia, a freshman Chemistry major. “I thrive when my mind is rushed and everything just comes flying out like a cannon!”
Students can get distracted by the digital age we live in, and it’s harder than ever to avoid distractions with phones, tablets and laptops at our disposal.
“Social media, friends and relationships use a big part [of my time],” said Vanessa Perez, a freshman General Education major.
Roberto Gonzalez, a sophomore Music major, said, “Don’t know how people can find the time to procrastinate! I’m taking four classes this semester and barely get any sleep as it is. Ain’t nobody got time for that.”
Here are several tips gathered from Palo Alto students and professors on how to help prevent procrastination:
- Make small rewards for doing easy tasks, but don’t overdo it.
- Take time and work out a schedule that works for you.
- Use the App Freedom. It locks you away from the Internet for up to eight hours at a time and encourages productivity.
- Set a timer for 15-minute stretches to get work done.
- Be realistic: How long will the task actually take you?
Keep yourself motivated to manage your time wisely and the monster that is procrastination can be defeated.
PAC Student Media 