Disclaimer: This is not going to be creative writing by any means, but I am not sure it is supposed to be. Sylvia Plath wrote her journal mostly as writing exercises to get better at using language in general, and she is one of the most accredited and talented people that I have ever gotten to read, so if any of you thinks that this is beneath you, I suggest you think again. I believe that the more one practices using words in their appropriate meaning and correcting grammar and syntax, the more natural it becomes. Over all I believe I am a lazy person, but I am also a perfectionist, which is a horrible combination, to say the truth. It leads to situations in which I really want to do something well, but I am prone to procrastination and I end up either not completing it, or having to complete it shortly before the deadline. I can have a month to write a two-page paper and I will probably write in the night before the deadline. If I completed my task (and did it well) I would usually fall into the trap of self-congratulation. I will take it as an example of my supreme skills and awesome abilities, and assume that I can procrastinate again next time. I also rationalize and say that I work well under pressure, while truthfully, I don't think it has to do with the ability to work under certain conditions. If I can do something when it due the next day, i can do it when the due date is two weeks away. Robert Benchley said once that "[a]nyone can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at the moment". Despite my anti-work tendencies, or perhaps because of their combination with a heavy course-load, I have developed some anti-procrastination methods. I shall share them in order to make this passage less self-centered and in order to share the knowledge and not be the only one who benefits from this post. With no further adieu: 1. Make to do lists. The people who know me know of my to-do lists. I have at least three of them each day in different places- on my google homepage, in my planner, on my whiteboard, and some on random notes and napkins that I come across. Write EVERYTHING you need to do! Write down even the obvious things that you do every day, such as taking a shower, or checking your emails, that way you will feel like you are progressing and that would encourage you to continue on. 2. Break it down. Every big and intimidating task is built of small and simple assignments. Don't think of it as "get into college", think of it as "find the college I like; find a topic for my college essay; write my college essay; fill out an application; mail it out on time". 3. Do it right away. When there are things you have to do, try to do them as soon as possible. When there is a bill that you have to pay, don't put it in a pile and plan to worry about it later, fill out a check and send it out right away, that way you don't have to worry about it later, and the day looks simpler (and you don't have to put it on your to-do list.) 4. Know your limits. I found out that schoolwork wears me out after a few months, so I never take any classes in the winter or spring semesters. I use it for a long and relaxing break, so relaxing that I long for school by the time it is about to end. Good Luck
