
Procrastination Assessment
Sure, we all put off a few unpleasant tasks, but psychologists say that some of us poison our success with chronic procrastination. Is your child a chronic procrastinator? Try this simple quiz to find out…
They procrastinate excessively if you agree with five or more of the following statements:
- They often put off starting a task they find difficult.
- They often give up on a task as soon as they start to find it difficult.
- They often wonder why they should be bothered doing a task.
- They often have difficulty getting started on a task.
- They often try to do so many tasks at once that they don’t finish any.
- They often put off a task in which they have little or no interest.
- They often try to come up with reasons to do something else.
- They often ignore a task when they are not certain about how to start it.
- They often start a task but stop before completing it.
- They often think that if they ignore a task, it will go away.
- They often cannot decide which to begin first.
- They often find their minds wandering off to other things.
Why Do Students Procrastinate?
There are many reasons why students procrastinate. Here are the most common reasons:
- Perfectionism: A student’s standard of performance may be so high for a task that it does not seem possible to meet that standard.
- Fear of Failure: A student may lack confidence and fear that he/she will be unable to accomplish a task successfully.
- Confusion: A student may be unsure about how to start a task or how it should be completed.
- Task Difficulty: A student may lack the skills and abilities needed to accomplish a task.
- Poor Motivation: A student may have little or no interest in completing a task because he/she finds the task boring or lacking in relevance.
- Difficulty Concentrating: A student may have too many things around that distract him/her from doing a task.
- Task Unpleasantness: A student may dislike doing what a task requires.
- Lack of Priorities: A student may have little or no sense about which tasks are most important to do.
How Can I Help My Child Overcome Procrastination?
Here are some things you can do to control excessive procrastination.
- Motivation and Positive Self-Talk. “There is no time like the present,” or “Nobody’s perfect.” “The sooner I get at it the sooner I’m free” etc.
- Make a schedule of the tasks you have to do and stick to it.
- Prioritize the tasks you have to do.
- Set clear goals and be specific with time. Set a timer.
- Work on tasks at the times they are most alert and positive.
- Break large tasks into small manageable parts.
- Work on difficult and/or unpleasant tasks first.
- Work on a task you find easier after you complete a difficult task.
- Work on tasks as part of a study group.
- Get help from teachers and other students when you find a task difficult.
- Find a good place to work on tasks.
- Eliminate distractions that interfere with working on tasks.
- Set reasonable expectations that you can meet for a task. Don’t be a perfectionist!!!
- Take breaks when working on a task so that you do not wear down.
- Rewards when the task is done.
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