Category: Let's talk
Are you reading this instead of studying for a test, doing the dishes, or taking out the garbage? In short, are you a procrastinator?
Then the following is for you.
Why Do Today What You Can Put Off Until Tomorrow
January 15, 2007
Why Do Today What You Can Put Off Until Tomorrow
A 10-year study of procrastination provides insights into--and a formula for--human motivation
By David Biello
Science Image: paper airplane made of money
Image: © TETRA IMAGES/CORBIS
PUTTING IT OFF: The fine art of procrastination has been summed up in a mathematical equation.
I am a moderate procrastinator. Even when I believe that I would be best served by finishing a task (say, filing this story), I will occasionally put it
off in favor of some short-term reward (like a much needed caffeine fix). This tendency on my part to delay what is in my long-term interest can now be
explained by a simple mathematical equation, according to industrial psychologist Piers Steel of the University of Calgary.
Steel developed the equation U = E x V / I x D, where U is the desire to complete the task; E, the expectation of success; V, the value of completion; I,
the immediacy of task; and D, the personal sensitivity to delay, as a way of mathematically mapping a given individual's procrastination response. So,
for example, my desire to finish this article is influenced by my relative confidence in writing it well and the prospect of a paycheck as well as a looming
deadline and my inherent desire to go home at the end of the day. "You're more likely to put something off if you're a very impulsive individual," Steel
says. But, "if you only work at the last minute, time on task tells."
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You can test your procrastination proclivity by clicking on this link.
I took their test with disasterous results. <grin> Their analysis follows. Sounds like good advice, and I may try some of it tomorrow.
Psychological Surveys
Your score is77 out of a possible 100
Usually a Procrastinator
You rank in the top 10% in terms of procrastination. That is, when it comes to putting things off, you often do so even though you know you shouldn’t. Likely,
you are much more free-spirited, adventurous, and spontaneous than most. Probably, your work doesn’t engage you as much as you would like or perhaps you
are surrounded by many easily available and much more pleasant temptations. These temptations may initially seem rewarding, but in the longer-term, you
see many of them as time-wasters. Though you are likely incredibly productive just before a deadline, you might not get all your work done and there is
a lot of unwanted stress. You may want to reduce what procrastination you do commit. If so, here are three tips that have been shown to work:
Goal Setting
This is one of the most established ways of moving forward on your plans. Take any project you are presently procrastinating and break it down into individual
steps. Each of these steps should have the following three aspects. First, they should be somewhat challenging though achievable for you. It is more satisfying
to accomplish a challenge. Second, they should be proximal, that is you can achieve them fairly soon, preferable today or over the next few days. Third,
they should be specific, that is you know exactly when you have accomplished them. If you can visualize in your mind what you should do, even better.
Stimulus Control
This method has also been well tested and is very successful. What you need is a single place that you do your work and nothing else. Essentially, you need
an office, though many students have a favorite desk at a library. For stimulus control to work best, the office or desk should be free of any signs of
temptation or easily available distractions that might pull you away (e.g., no games, no chit-chat, no web-surfing). If you need a break, that is fine,
but make sure you have it someplace at least a few minutes distant, preferably outside of the building itself. If you are unwilling to take the time to
get there, acknowledge that you likely don’t need the break.
Routines
Routines are difficult to get into but in the end, this is often our aim. Things are much easier to do when we get into a habit of them, whether it is work,
exercise, or errands. If you schedule some of those tasks you are presently procrastinating upon so that they occur on a regular schedule, they become
easier. Start your routine slowly, something to which you can easily commit. Eventually, like brushing your teeth, it will likely become something you
just do, not taking much effort at all. At this point, you might add to your routine, again always keeping your overall level of effort at a moderate to
low level. Importantly, when you fall off your routine, inevitable with sickness or the unexpected, get back on it as soon as possible. Your routine gets
stronger every time your follow it. It also gets weaker every time you don’t."
Bob
Good article, Bob. I'm going to take the test one of these days. I don't have a problem with procrastination or denial either.
Lou
Yes sir procrastination rules my life!
I'm the President of the Procrastinators Association; and it hasn't yet been formed...LOL
Without doing the test, I know their advice would be similar to that given to yourself. However, I will do the test and let you know how I fair...
I'll think about taking the test tomorrow...or maybe the next day.
I saw this topic earlier and decided to read it later. So well I came back and did so, so should I go take the test now, or shall I wait until later?
I was going to respond to your post, but I think I'll wait.
I am the pPresident of Procrastinators of America. I was going to start a twelve step program for procrastinators everywhere, but didn't get around to it. I am proud of my skills regarding my procrastination, and won't change until tomorrow. Well, it's tomorrow, and I haven't changed. A toast to procrastinators everywhere.
Procrastinators unite ... tomorrow. Yeah, I'm reading this when I should be taking a pre-test, reading a story for my comp 2 class, doing laundry, et cetera. I'm great. Haha. And I will most definitely take that test, but not now. Lol, and I really didn't mean that as a procrastination joke.
Lol I have to admit this yeah I do procrastinate I ain't gonna lie. And the oddest part is that I can still procrastinate, rush and still manage to get things done.
I procrastinate until it annoys me into taking action.
I am so mutch a procrastinator it isn't even funny. I always do my homework the day that is due. I can't seem to get over it.
Holy shit, did I procrastinate in high school. I don't even like to think about it. lol
Oh man, I am the king of procrastinators! I don't even have to take the test, I already know.
There's a test? Maybe I don't want to find out.
Yep. Procrastination is my actual major. Seriously, how do people start things early? I don't think I'm actually capable of working at a productive rate if there isn't a looming deadline.
Thanks Bob, cool article, and I'll get around to that test, right after another cuppa...
hahaha, Oh, the irony. I love it. lol
I have a lot on my load five classes every semester and probably a job at a movie teather next semester, but procrastination is not an option for me. On top of all the studying and working, i still manage to have tons of fun. It depends on time management and the urge to not prolong tings a day or later. I procrastinate sometimes, but it's not fun as when your totally done with what your supposed to do.
No, it sure as hell is not. lol
Give me a few months and I might think about reading the whole topic. Hahahaha!
lmao! we all suck. yep, me too. i'm aterrible procrastinator. well, i can't put it off any longer, my dishes need doing, and i've got a program to write.