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Imagine this: You're standing at the starting line of a marathon of college goals and challenges, ready to conquer them with a big smile on your face. But sometimes, the road gets bumpy, and we find ourselves taking detours to the land of "I'll do it later." Almost all of us periodically sets ourselves a new goal or challenge — and just as often in the end fail to achieve them. We end up telling ourselves that we’re just not ready yet, that we’ll do it next week, next month...next year. It's like a game of procrastination tag, where we start with an enthusiastic zeal but end up be-friending laziness. Once we’ve made a small amount of effort, we end up gaslighting ourselves that we’ve done enough, and it’s time to take this whole “starting a new life” at college thing more slowly.
Surveys suggest that 85-95% of students have problems associated with procrastination.
Laziness and procrastination are like two mischievous siblings that often team up to disrupt our productivity. Laziness sneaks in, tempting us to indulge in relaxation and avoid any exertion. Meanwhile, procrastination whispers in our ears, convincing us that there's always tomorrow to tackle our tasks. They create a vicious cycle, where delays and excuses become the norm.
But why do we give up so easily? We often find ourselves giving up too easily due to a combination of factors. Fear of failure can make us doubt our abilities and convince us that it's better to avoid trying altogether, for eg. avoiding joining a club or organization on campus due to fear of not fitting in or meeting expectations. Lack of motivation or clear goals can also contribute to our willingness to give up when faced with challenges, like feeling unsure about the purpose of pursuing a particular major or career path. Additionally, external pressures or negative influences can dampen our spirits and make us question our path, and make us give up on projects that require extra effort. On top of that, we also tend to bite off more than we can chew, we underestimate the power of old habits, and we forget that Rome wasn't built in a day!
According to some researchers, procrastination has more than quadrupled in the last 30 years. Laziness is an outcome of procrastination being out of control!
How to stop procrastinating? To conquer this foe, it's crucial to break the cycle and adopt effective strategies. Start by setting clear goals and breaking them down into manageable tasks. Prioritize your tasks and create a schedule to keep yourself accountable. Embrace the power of focus and eliminate distractions. However, it's important to remember that perseverance and resilience are key to overcoming obstacles. By shifting our mindset, seeking support, and focusing on the bigger picture, we can find the strength to push through and achieve our goals.
And here's a fascinating tidbit: the art of avoiding procrastination and beating laziness has been mastered the best by Japanese samurais, known for their discipline and dedication. Through their rich cultural heritage, they have developed unique methods to stay focused and overcome procrastination. So, let's take inspiration from these legendary warriors and unleash our inner samurai spirit in conquering sluggishness!
1. Embrace your inner "Ikigai" — the magical force that gets you bounding out of bed each morning, ready to conquer the world. Discover the secret to beating laziness by finding your unique purpose, that thing that ignites your passion and propels you forward. It's the spark that brings excitement to each day and infuses your life with meaning. Get ready to rock your world with purpose and enthusiasm!
2. Channel the power of "Shoshin" — the art of approaching each task with the curious and open mindset of a beginner. Say goodbye to laziness as you dive into your endeavors with a fresh perspective, eager to learn and grow. Embracing Shoshin means leaving behind any preconceived notions and embracing the joy of discovery. So, let's embark on this journey with a playful and inquisitive spirit that will banish laziness and bring excitement to every endeavor.
3. Practice the “Pomodoro Technique”, where you work like a productivity ninja for 25 minutes, then take a well-deserved 5-minute chill break. Rinse and repeat! This magical formula keeps you focused, energized, and ready to conquer your tasks with a smile. Say goodbye to procrastination and hello to turbocharged productivity.
4. Go with the flow of "Wabi-Sabi" — Embrace your quirks and imperfections, and let go of stressing over every little thing because life's too short and it’s meant to be enjoyed!
5. Unlock the "Kaizen" — Take one small step forward, just for a minute each day, at the same time. Whether it's practicing a hobby or tackling a task, the key is to start and keep going. Remember, progress comes in small doses, and watch your efforts blossom into something amazing!
IMAGE: Free Vector | Organic flat people meditating illustration
So, let's lace up our shoes, take it one step at a time! Let’s turn that procrastination into motivation to keep going because we've got college dreams to catch and goals to conquer! Follow ISIC India for more such helpful tips because we are Your Student Lifesaver.
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