How often has this happened to you: you’re sitting in your room, a computer in front of you and a cell phone on the desk. Inside your backpack, lies instructions to help you get started on the essay assigned over four weeks ago. You tell yourself, “It’s not due for weeks. I have plenty of time.” Then you try to remember the real due date. It’s tomorrow.

It happens a lot more than you might think, and it happens to a lot of students. It’s called procrastination, and it’s hard not to do it.

Procrastination is when you put off a large task, constantly and constantly. Procrastinators think to themselves that it isn’t due for a long time, that they have a lot of time before they really need to get started. However, they don’t realize how long it takes to do all of the nessecary steps. They end up doing it at the last minute, which makes the final product seemed rushed and unfinished.

Procrastination leads to poor grades, stress, and guilt for putting the task off. But it could be a lot more severe then that. It could even lead to depression, among students who feel akward around those who focus on their goals.

But why do students do it?

Because it’s easy, and it may seem like common sense to some people. Would you rather browse Facebook and laugh at funny pictures and memories with your friends, or do a book report? Something fun, or something boring? Instant gratification, or academic success? 

How do you stop? It’s actually quite simple. Instead of going on the computer for entertainment purposes, use it for research and acadameic purposes first. Then you can play. Once you finish your daily tasks that are required to succeed, then you may do what you will.

It’s hard not to if you can’t help it, but sooner or later, you really do need to put a stop to it. It’ll only get worse.