When I left school on Tuesday afternoon, I was completely ready to spend my entire break cranking out two ten page research papers. I had been to the library, compiled a list of resources, and created two theses. I was set.
It is now Friday evening, and I am on page three of the first paper. I have done just about everything imaginable to avoid working on my homework. I at first turned to hulu to catch up on the episodes of House and Glee that I have missed in the recent weeks. Then I moved onto Bones in avoidance. I am two loads into the mountain of laundry that I brought home to wash, another strategy to shirk my academic responsibilities for a few hours. I spent time with my family, got a manicure, and even attempted a short shopping trip on Black Friday. I am beginning to run low on ideas, and time.
I give in. It is time to really get down to work... even if it only lasts an hour.
The scholars' lament: procrastination. I think it comes from our being so excited by the rush of adrenaline when waiting to the last minute and frantically trying to meet the rapidly approaching, dreaded deadline. Instead of the tortoise and plodding along at a slow, steady pace (how boring!), we need that RUSH when there's absolutely no more putting the paper off! It has to be written NOW! I don't think it's just scholars/students/writers, I think procrastination is part of our culture. Just some are worse(better) at it than others. What's interesting is after finally meeting the deadline, we promise ourselves, "I'm not waiting til the last minute next time." But what happens? The need for speed overcomes our convictions.
ReplyDeleteDon’t you love how we do that, have all good intentions for holiday breaks then they are all thrown out the window. I think I did the same thing, had a perfect plan then my family came home and they made plans so mine were overruled. And to the Hulu thing- I do that to all the time watch what I missed then find a whole new show to start on. Luckily I was able to get some work done I hope you were too.
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