Procrastination is like...

...masturbation because in the end, you're just screwing yourself. (Insert immature giggle. Go ahead, it's okay to laugh...) This is a little (or a lot) crass, but I will straight up tell first generation and low income college students this because sometimes you just need to hear the unfiltered truth to get your butt back in gear.

And, in addition to screwing yourself, procrastinating also tends to make you feel some combination of lazy, inadequate, anxious, just plain stupid, and/or straight up guilty for screwing yourself... which makes you not want to do whatever it is you're avoiding, and so the vicious cycle continues. For first generation and low income college students, it can be intensified because success in college tends to be tied to family pride and maintaining grades to keep financial aid and scholarships. So, what can you do about it?

Here is how you can stop screwing yourself (aka deal with procrastinating):

First, ask yourself why you are procrastinating? Whatever it is you're avoiding, why don't you want to do it? Do you not value it, don't know how to do it, or don't have what you need to do it? Once you know why you are trying not to do something, you can address that issue and deal with it.

Next, create a plan to get done whatever it is you're avoiding. Break it up into smaller, more manageable tasks. And for each small task you accomplish, plan to celebrate it or reward yourself in an appropriate way, like reading your favorite blog (hint, hint!) or eating a piece of candy.

I know, I know, it's easier said than done, but overcoming procrastination is not just a college survival skill, it's a life skill!

For more on procrastination and not falling into the screw-yourself trap, the Counseling Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has some great information about it.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.