That Girl from Derwent dwells on the value of religion this Christmas.
That Girl from Derwent has learned a few more things about prejudice since moving up North.
That Girl From Derwent reckons if you're going to be offensive, you should find a better reason.
That Girl from Derwent considers why it is that some words have wider implications than others.
Visit relatives – well, it’s Christmas, it’s what you’re supposed to do, isn’t it? But instead f spending just the obligatory day with them, get out there more. Going to see your grandma might not seem like a fun option, but you can be surprised. Personally, I think my grandparents are legends rather, so it didn’t take me long after I came home to get up to their houses. Until the inevitable, “so, how much work have you got this holiday?” came up. Then I got sent home.
Make something nice for the family – come New Year’s Day was I lying on somebody’s floor with a hangover? Oh, no, that’s far too obvious for procrastination. I was up at 9am mixing pancake batter. When the rest of the family came down, I had laid and set the table, and already had my first pancake in the pan. What could be better? Not only did I get to avoid my essay, I actually got thanked for doing so! Not to mention had a pretty damn good breakfast.
Fiddle around with some software - but eventually, I had to go up to my room and start the damn thing, right? Wrong! Have you considered changing the operating system on your laptop? It’ll take up at least half a day, and the latest version of Ubuntu is quite nice. Though I’m sure I’ll change it again before the term is out.
Plan ahead – I don’t mean for the essay or revision, oh no; I mean finally getting sick of your mother telling you to lose weight (while simultaneously force-feeding you chocolate cake) and planning out your entire shopping, exercise and seating regime for the Spring term. So what I’ve traditionally shopped last minute at Co-op or the campus Costcutters? This term that’s all going out the window with a weekly Morrison’s shop scheduled in to the timetable. And spontaneous takeaways? No need, I’ll have planned all my meals a week in advance, and therefore never run out of food! What could go wrong? Well, my sanity is another question…
Work on anything but your university work – well, you want to look like you’re working hard, but there’s no need to actually do anything. For me, I decided to write a blog every time it was implied I should be working. I could even sit at the dining table, typing away, and my parents would assume I was essaying. Good, eh?
Of course, sooner or later you are going to have to give in and write the essay or revise the modules. But I am a firm believer in the right sort of procrastination. Don’t just play video games or get drunk – if you so something productive, or helpful or kind with your procrastinating urges, when you come to that late holiday panic, I can guarantee you’ll feel a whole lot better about it.
In a way though, "positive" procrastination is almost worse than just playing video games or complaining on Facebook. After all, you don't feel nearly as guilty, so there's not as much motivation to start any actual work...
I actually find it when I reach the point of procrastination where I am doing something productive it is much easier to actually start working on assignments. It's sort of a step on a ladder towards a more productive state of mind.
Feeling guilty doesn't really help anything.
I am sat at the dining table right now reading this. brilliant
You must log in to submit a comment.
Report