Time Management

Procrastination and ways to overcome it

Procrastination

• “to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done”

• Can lead to guilt, inadequacy, depression & self-doubt

How many of these conditions affect you?

• I sometimes feel sick from the physical and psychological stress of putting off work that I know needs to be done

• I sometimes feel depressed and not in control, having lost self-confidence and self-esteem because of my procrastinating behaviour

• Sometimes I feel paralysed and unable to act and to make decisions• I feel that I have lost the respect of others because of my

procrastinating behaviour

Conditions continued…..

• The quality of may academic work is less than what I know I can do

• I have had serious conflicts in my relationships because of my procrastination

• My procrastination has created an obstacle to the achievement of my significant personal goals

Why procrastinate?

• But I don’t know how• This stuff is just plain boring• I don’t feel like doing it• But what if I can’t cut it?• How can I top this?• You can’t make me

What to do? – coping strategies

• Why is procrastination a problem for me?• What area of my life is most negatively affected by

procrastination?• What seems to be the underlying cause of my

procrastination?• Am I willing to make some changes in my life and my

thinking?

What to do to reduce my procrastination?

• Manage time– Weekly schedule– Calendar– “to do” list

• Set goals and follow your plan• Find support for your efforts• Create a reward system• Recognise and refute irrational beliefs

How well do you manage your own time?

• Complete the exercise.• What score did you get?• How do you think you can improve on this?• Fill in the estimated and actual time sheets for your

tutorial and be prepared to discuss discrepancies with the rest of the group.