It is 11 p.m., and I am only two paragraphs into my seven-page paper due by 11:59 p.m. Not 12 a.m., because that is obviously too late. I am regretting my actions and contemplating whether I should ask for an extension or more reasonably, drop out of college. But there is a small glimmer of false hope that brings me back to reality and tells me that I can finish this on time. Typically, I do finish it on time, but other times I don’t. Luckily, I have had some lenient professors who didn’t mind if I turn it in at 1 a.m., instead of 11:59 p.m., but, during this time of stress I produce some of my best work. It makes sense though, because the time restriction forces you to stay on task, and not lose focus. Sometimes I have even found that with all the pressure, I produce better work. It makes me wonder: should I procrastinate on all my assignments.
Well, no. I shouldn’t procrastinate on all my assignments. Procrastinating in college is kind of acceptable, but procrastinating in my future job is not acceptable. So I’m not trying to create a pattern that will follow me in my profession. But if procrastination is done properly in college, you can use it to your advantage. One advantage is that you gain more free time from your homework. With this free time you can focus on yourself by going to the gym or catching up on your shows. For example, I had a big assignment due on Sunday, but I wanted to go out Friday night. So, I went out Friday night because I still had two full days to complete it. From the wise words of Donna Meagle from “Parks and Recreation”, “treat yo self!” The second advantage is that you can produce strong work from procrastinating. With time pressures from procrastinating, you only have one chance to put out the best work possible. So you can’t just waste time trying to change your ideas when you only have a few minutes left to submit. Another small advantage is that if you change procrastinating into a positive narrative, then you could say that you are quick on your feet in stressful situations during a job interview.
I have been a professional procrastinator ever since I was in elementary school, so I speak from experience. I know that procrastination is not a lifestyle for everyone, but luckily it works for me. What always works for me is that I plan ahead for my future procrastination. So instead of doing my paper, I will make a tiny outline for the paper so I am at least somewhat prepared for when I actually write my paper last second. Depending on the assignment, I will decide how much I will procrastinate. If it is a small assignment, I might begin it two hours before it is due. If it is a very important assignment, then I will give myself 24 – 48 hours to do. It is still procrastinating, because i had over a month to work on the assignment. Lastly, be prepared for judgment from your professors when they see that you have submitted your assignment at 11:58 p.m. I am totally fine living with the judgement because procrastinating lets me go to the gym twice a day, and have more time to play with makeup.
