You've probably tried a variety of ways to plan your activities so that deadlines can be met promptly and efficiently.  Many students procrastinate tasks.  Are you a productive procrastinator?  If you complete your assignments on time, all the time, and have a satisfactory piece of work each time, you should consider yourself a productive procrastinator.  Rather than considering procrastination a problem, consider it your work style.

However, if you procrastinate and are not able to meet deadlines with a satisfactory quality assignment, here's a different way of looking at things.

Work backwards:

On each calendar month, record all deadlines: projects, papers, mid-terms, finals.  Block out time for family events, appointments, jobs, extra-curricular activities, social/leisure time, and, of course, classes.

Develop interim deadlines:

Ask yourself, "To submit my work on time, where do I need to be a week ahead, a month ahead?" and "What resources must I have to accomplish these tasks?"  Then, put in the interim deadlines on your calendar and make time to get all the resources you need to get your assignment done.

Develop ways to acknowledge your accomplishments:

Are you the kind who gets a good feeling from just getting the job done or do you need a tangible reward?  If you need more than a pat on the back, develop a system where you reward yourself when a task is finished.  It may be as simple as a half-hour walk or a chat with a friend.  Decide what works for you...

The greatest benefit will be a sense of satisfaction as you meet your interim deadlines and your new ability to enjoy your leisure/social times without that nagging feeling that you should be doing a school assignment.

Email Okie a question or comment!

IV. Grab Bag: an ODS Assortment of Miscellaneous Questions

1. I seem to procrastinate with all written work.  What can I do about it?