5 Steps to Beating Procrastination

By Rita Emmett

Jason is a procrastinator. Before he starts his homework, he fusses and argues with his parents, sharpens every pencil in the house, calls his friends to see what’s up, spends 25 minutes searching for his books and still is not ready to settle down and get started.

Jennifer’s parents are so tired of her procrastination in cleaning her room, they’ve told her she’s not to come out until her room is clean … even if she has to stay there forever.

Jason never did complete his written homework and totally blew off studying for his test.

Jennifer just stood in the middle of her room and cried.

Both of these children feel overwhelmed. They’re experiencing something that many adults (maybe even you) have been through: that sense of dread when there’s so much to do, you don’t know where – and, therefore, aren’t able – to start.

Born Procrastinators?
According to my research, people who procrastinated as children experienced poor self-esteem, low self-confidence, anxiety, guilt and a belief that other kids were born with something that they did not have: the ability to get things done.

They also described not having dreams or goals. When other children spoke of going to college or traveling the world, they figured that if they could not complete their homework or return a library book, they would never be able to become an astronaut.