Putting Things Off (Procrastinating): Introduction

One of the commonest problem worrying students is the tendency to put thing off until the last moment - or to beyond the last moment. Of course it is not only students who have trouble with this habit. Probably every one of us has tried to avoid some unpalatable task at some time - it is a natural human reaction. However university students are particularly vulnerable, possibly because of the amount of work expected of them, the lack of formal structure in university and the range of tempting distractions on campus.

We all have our own preferred way of working. If letting the tension build up a bit before you get started works well for you, then there is no reason you should change. However if you get increasingly behind with your work and end up feeling wretched about yourself and your course the problem needs addressing. Counsellors call the problem procrastination (from the Latin for until tomorrow) and have given a lot of thought to why it happens and how to deal with it. Many people can and do break this habit, so read on if you need help.