Perfectionism and
procrastination
Perfectionism can be linked to procrastination. For
example, a project can be difficult to start because
the desire to get every detail perfect is overwhelming.
Maybe the paper you are writing for composition
class isn’t quite as good as you would like it. Or, the
painting you are working on for art class doesn’t look
quite like you’d hoped. So, you do another draft. You
start over. And the project never gets turned in.
A helpful mantra for students who tend toward
perfectionism is: “Done is better than perfect.”
Perfection isn’t really possible, anyway, right? It’s
a goal we are destined never to reach. Work toward
excellence rather than perfection. And, when
excellence is hard to attain, sometimes it’s OK to
accept less. Give yourself permission to do what is
realistic rather than ideal. After all, a finished project
turned in on time is going to be worth more points
than an almost perfect project that never gets
submitted. Done is good.
“Procrastination is like a credit card:
it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.”
—Christopher Parker
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/
procrastination.html#RYAI2u1eiGVs9ABd.99
Resources for Help
Would you like to talk with someone about this issue?
Make an appointment to meet with a Normandale
Counselor. Counselors provide short-term, confidential
counseling and referrals for long-term therapy as
needed.
Normandale Community College
Academic Advising & Counseling
Department, C 1032
Phone: 952-358-8261
Sources:
• Becoming a Master Student, 10th edition, by
David Ellis.
• http://addicted2success.com/success-advice/
the-6-different-types-of-procrastinators-findyour-type-well-show-you-how-to-fix-it/
What is Procrastination?
The term “procrastination” comes from the Latin for “a
putting off from day to day” or “belonging to tomorrow”.
We often put things off for a later time, and we do so for
a variety of reasons.
Is procrastination always
a bad thing?
It is common for people to think that putting things off
is a negative thing. “Don’t put off until tomorrow what
you can do today” is a proverb attributed to Benjamin
Franklin. But sometimes, it can be helpful to put things
off. Perhaps there is something more important that
needs doing first, so you prioritize. Or, perhaps it is
helpful to allow some time to let the issue “incubate”
in your mind as you gather more information or get
ideas. Maybe you thrive on last minute motivation, or
perhaps putting something off gives you much needed
time to rest.
When is procrastination
a problem?
Procrastination can become a problem when it is a
means of avoidance due to feeling anxious, afraid, or
unmotivated. Ask yourself: 1) Does your procrastination
result in your work being done to a lower quality?
2) Does it cause you or others undue stress?
3) Does it cause you to finish projects late or not at all?
4) Has it become a habit that negatively affects other
areas of your life? If so, it can be helpful to understand
the reasons you procrastinate. Then you can change
your mindset and behavior as you practice strategies
for reducing problematic procrastination.
Reasons students
procrastinate
• To avoid feeling stupid. Failing because you
didn’t do it feels different than failing after having
tried.
• Lack of interest and motivation.
• Fear of failure. Remember that grades do not
determine your worth.
• Fear of success: Sometimes success feels like
it leads to higher expectations, or it seems like it
can separate us from others who do not follow
the same path.
• It feels safe. If procrastination is what you are
familiar with, it can feel safe even if it is harmful.
• Thrive on the last minute adrenaline rush.
Procrastination is ‘the art of
keeping up with yesterday and
avoiding today.’
—Wayne Dyer
Strategies for reducing
procrastination
• Count the costs. Acknowledging the costs
can help you kick the habit.
• Trick yourself into getting started. Commit
to doing only 10 minutes worth of work.
Chances are that you will find yourself more
motivated to continue after the 10 minutes
are done. If not, you’ve at least done 10
minutes worth of work!
• Choose to work under pressure. If you do
your best work under pressure, then at least
be in control. Make sure you leave enough
time in your schedule.
• Give up “someday”. We put off lots of
things until “someday”, and may end up
waiting our whole lives to start living. Instead,
take action today.
• Create goals that draw you forward. Keep
your eyes on the prize, on the reasons why
you are doing what you are doing. Set goals
that excite you.