Procrastination Case

PROCRASTINATION

The problem that I battle is not uncommon among people. The problem is sometimes worse for others but the outcome is always the same no matter who you are. The hardest part is admitting that there is a problem and trying to find ways to either fix it, or figure out a way to begin working toward fixing it. When procrastination in the problem, how does one go about setting time aside to even begin working on the problem?

As defined in the Merriam Webster online dictionary, to procrastinate is "to put off intentionally or habitually." (Merriam Webster Online 2010) When defined by the dictionary, the problem does not seem detrimental to anything or anybody. In reality, procrastination can have many detrimental outcomes like; receiving a bad grade in class for not completing assignments on time, missing an appointment because you didn't leave until the last minute, completing a project poorly because you didn't give yourself enough time to do a better job and gather the right information, disappointing your child because you didn't anticipate any traffic and left with just enough time to get to their function, getting a ticket for not obeying traffic laws because you are rushing to get somewhere on time, being in a car accident for the same reason, or even forgetting something important at home because you're running late and trying to get everyone out of the house in the morning. In reality, procrastination has so many detrimental effects it becomes hard to realize why anyone would even allow themselves to be in that situation. It was once said "You may delay, but time will not." (Benjamin Franklin)

The hardest part about solving the problem of procrastination is figuring out how to solve the problem. The initial step is to realize that there is in fact a problem. After that one must figure out how serious they are to fixing it permanently. Initial steps to solving this problem could be setting aside 30 minutes a day to work on weekly homework. In keeping up with this routine, reward yourself with 30 minutes of something that you love after you have completed the work. This allows a person to have a small period of time to do work and gives them something to look forward to afterwards. If that doesn't work, people go as far as trying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitive Therapy is a solution-oriented or problem-solving approach to psychological treatment that was developed by Aaron T. Beck, MD, in the 1970s. (Psychology Today, October 2009 Issue) This treatment would be for people who are having extreme difficulties in their lives functioning due to the extent of their procrastination. For either solution needed, the most important thing is the want and determination to fix the problem and better you. Things that need to be considered are what the long term effects will be if you begin to procrastinate. What