on procrastination

So. Procrastination. It has been a huge problem for me yes, these many years. I have particular trouble putting my nose to the grindstone (if you'll forgive a tragic and outdated cliche) and getting the work done. I always seem to easily find something more interesting to do other than my schoolwork.

Tonight was no exception. I spent a good while, yes, probably about an hour memorizing the state capitals. I never had to do it as a kid, so I'm basically learning them for the first time. I think it's paying off, though. I feel good about it. Connecticut? Hartford. Bam. South Carolina? Columbia. Bam. I'm getting good. After a while of fun with my flashcards and help from my roommates, I decided I should probably do something a little more pertinent and I sat down at my desk to begin my homework. Then, Cambell called. We hadn't talked in nearly three weeks, so the conversation ran a little long . . . as most of our conversations tend to. And all of the sudden, it's 2:30am.

My point is, most of the time procrastination is this nebulous habit that sucks you in. Other times, however, it can be a very effective release from stress. If you procrastinate correctly, you don't feel the pressure of your deadlines; they nearly disappear . . .   That is, until they are staring you in the face and you must scramble and give up many hours of sleep in order to finish things. Despite this unfortunate side-effect, procrastinating has the potential to be a much needed respite. I decided to take advantage of that this evening because there are more important things in life than grades.