Your teacher assigns a project. Now you are brainstorming the ideas that will help you get this project done. Your plan is different from the person sitting next to you, what if your approach is wrong and theirs is right. This list offers effective and proven techniques.
The procrastinator
This technique might sound bad, but it might be the best option for you. Active procrastination could help you get projects done. I am going to be honest, this is an unstable method. It only works well for about 10% of people. The reason I included it in this list is because 10% is a good chunk of people. If you are part of that niche, then this technique could actually be very effective. I have seen professional procrastinators do amazing feats:
- Flawless 10 page essays finished in one day
- Stunning and creative Projects
- Finished Homework
Warning: Procrastination can cause health problems, which is apparently possible 🙂 . It could also be a major disaster to your life if you cannot handle the workload. It is like lighting a bonfire in your brain every time you apply the method. Read this article to review the pros and cons of procrastination if you are considering. For me it didn’t work, so if it doesn’t for you then DON’T DO IT! “your actions become your habits” if you are giving it enough time.
The “balanced” student
This technique is the best because it so easy, though it can be boring. This option is the least risky of all the other techniques on this list. What you do is dissect the work into pieces, and execute the pieces daily. This will nudge your way towards the deadline.
Don’t procrastinate
- Take your work and spread the workload. Like bread and butter, don’t eat butter and bread separately. (if you are that person to eat butter review the procrastination section in this article). You want to do your work in an incremental and iterative manner. Create a checklist, calendar, or visual aid.
- See all your tasks at once. If you see all the work you have due, you can pre-plan the work. YOU understand what you have due. Do this everyday and you become the person who always knows what is due. Knowing what you have due reduces stress.
The equalizer
This one is weird since it includes both worlds. Procrastination and balance. It is definitely possible, and it is even natural for some people. It is an optimized way of doing all your work. Basically when you have free time set your mind on overdrive and do the project. Set a timer and fully torque your brain. You might even finish within your time interval.
- Set a timer. If you set a clear amount of time to do each task, you’ll work far more rapidly, as you attempt to beat the clock.
- Know when you have that free time. You have free time, and you are not doing the project. To combat this create a list of active projects. Like a sticky note, or a reminder on your phone. You can always check it to see what you have on your plate.
The “Anti-procrastinator”
Let’s look at procrastination, what happens… well we put all the work on the final days. Now let’s change perspectives: what if we do the opposite.
- You were assigned a project and its due next week
- you go home and finish it on the day it was assigned.
The benefits with having this method is that it clears your head. No more stress; you know you did it all. You also look smart because you finished it before anyone.
“You start a job and you finish a job.” – Chef Josh Eden, in Work Clean by Dan Charnas
That is the mantra to this technique, you have to finish or be close to finishing.
Obviously you are going to meet the resistance of doing. The resistance comes from within. It is your self-doubt and perfectionism manifesting as procrastination. Unfortunately The Resistance gets stronger as we approach the finish line. That is why finishing as fast as possible is better, it is when you are in your calmest state. You are then not worried about the dreadful deadline.
- Clear your mind
- More time to relax
- More time for revision
- An excellent habit for success in life
Conclusion
The procrastinator, The Equalizer, and The Anti-procrastinator. These methods manipulate time. The procrastinator leaves work till the end, and then finishes it in a small amount of time. This works only for the 10% of people. The Equalizer splits the workload and works incrementally. This is a more relaxed approach that doesn’t pose a lot of risk. The Anti-procrastinator finishes work right away, and then forgets about it. This clears your mind and the safest way to finish your work because you have so much time to revise your it. Anti-procrastinators are rare and highly valued in a workplace.
