Very large tasks such as a thesis require larger blocks of time, but manageable, daily periods of work are the key, while starting early helps ensure that due dates will be met. Students often blame their problems with procrastination on laziness or a lack of self discipline. However, the cause is usually not as simple as that. For example, there is an interesting connection between procrastination and perfectionism. Students for whom nothing less than an A will do may procrastinate on an assignment so that when their mark is not up to their standard, they can blame it on the fact that they did the assignment in a hurry.
Procrastination can sometimes be an indication of a fear of failure, or of disappointing family.
Sometimes it is a symptom of a lack of motivation, the loss of a sense of purpose for being at university. In fact, there are many reasons why students procrastinate. The strategies in this Fast fax can help with procrastination temporarily, but understanding why you procrastinate is essential for its long-term management. The Learning Peer Helpers in The Learning Commons offer University of Guelph students free individual assistance and advice with controlling procrastination, time planning and many other learning and study issues. Students can drop in, make an appointment, call or e-mail .