Procrastination
Why do we procrastinate?
Break the cycle: What’s holding you back? Do any of these feelings sound familiar?
Be mindful: Observe your emotions without judgement. (Garland et. al, 2015) This way, you can understand your behaviour, adopt better habits, and manage your inner critics. Try walking meditation, body scans, and breathing exercises to notice your mental, physical, and emotional state.
Be accountable: Find accountability buddies and reflect on your successes and failures.
Trust yourself to act now:
Connect with campus resources: Talk to your TA and/or professor, a peer tutor through the Undergrad Peer Tutoring Network, and the Library Research Team for research assistance.
Improve your writing and study skills! Book an appointment with a writing advisor and/or academic coach on OSCARplus. Questions? Email skills@mcmaster.ca.
References
Garland, S. N., Willoughby, B., Agagianian, N., Goldman, R. E., Carlson, L. E., & Ong, J.C. (2015). Mindfulness, affect, and sleep: Current perspective and future directions. In K.A. Babson & M.T. Feldner (Eds.), Sleep and affect: Assessment, theory, and clinical implications (pp. 339-376). Elsevier.
Sirois, F.M. & Pychyl, T.A. (2013), Procrastination and the priority of short-term mood regulation: Consequences for future self. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 7, 115-127. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12011
Teper, R., Segal, Z.V., & Inzlicht, M. (2013). Inside the mindful mind: How mindfulness enhances emotion regulation through improvements in executive control. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(6), 449-454. https://doi.org/ 10.1177/0963721413495869