Why do we often say, "I'll do it tomorrow"? I confess to being a procrastinator when it comes to studying, cleaning, practising piano, and almost everything else in my life. I leave tasks until the last minute, then rush to complete them. But why? Despite my experience showing this approach isn't effective, I still resort to it. I might have managed tasks more efficiently if I'd tackled them earlier. So, why do I delay tasks until tomorrow?

Why do I prefer cleaning my oven with a toothbrush over studying French (even though I live in France and should be learning)? Why do I choose to check social media instead of working? It's about instant gratification.

As a true procrastinator, I prioritize what feels good in the present moment without considering the past or future. When I run out of time, panic sets in, and I rush to finish tasks. While I always complete them on time, I only do the bare minimum to pass, which isn't satisfactory.

Tim Urban discusses procrastination on YouTube, highlighting the "instant gratification monkey" in the procrastinator's brain. This mischievous part insists on immediate
satisfaction, urging us to delay important tasks.

Ironically, I procrastinated watching his video about procrastination until I had to watch it for this blog. Even now, I pause to chat with a friend and have coffee, delaying finishing this blog.

Why do I do it? Perhaps because I need to always be occupied. An empty to-do list leaves me feeling lost. I thrive under pressure, or so I'm told. But is it genuine thriving, or just a need to feel busy and important?

My friend, who is the opposite of me, finished her thesis in the first three months when she had more than a year to do it. She craves freedom from responsibilities and pressure, while I seem to seek out tasks to fill my time.

I always studied at the last minute, cramming the night before exams or writing up homework on the way to school or college. I’ve been like this for so long, I’m not sure how to change or be different.

I consistently advise my students to allocate specific time slots for their language studies, but I've yet to adopt this practice myself. Witnessing the remarkable progress of students who commit to regular study sessions reinforces the effectiveness of this approach. While I acknowledge my progress in French since my arrival in France, it's evident that my procrastination has slowed my advancement compared to those who prioritize focused learning. It's time for me to practise what I preach.

Maybe tomorrow!

#procrastination #getonwithit #donotdelay