5 Organizational Tips from a Procrastinator

Image source: https://fiveablog.wordpress.com/tag/burning-the-candle-at-both-ends/

As a child, I loved playing Goldeneye on the N64.  For a few weeks, it was all I really wanted to do (still an intermittent struggle), even if I had loads of homework to do.  My mom would always make sure my homework was done before I started gaming and it drove me nuts because I was not yet able to think 'big picture'.  One thing she told me back then that has stuck with me to this day is,

"Business before pleasure"

An easy concept for anyone to understand, but difficult, at times, to actually practice the idea.  Now, as an adult, my mom is no longer making sure that my homework is done before I start playing CS:GO. 

FREEDOM!

On the contrary, actually; it takes a lot of effort to hold yourself accountable. I find that the majority of the time, things that need to be done suck compared to things I want to do.  Putting off tasks that need to be done will hinder your capacity to have fun doing the things you want to do.  Sometimes, the process of doing what needs to be done will yield a lot of joy, even if the joy merely came from completing the task.  Either way, putting off what needs to be done will lead you to a fun place: behind.  When I get behind, I feel like I am continuously playing catch-up; burning the candle at both ends.

5.  Know your weaknesses

If you think you're a procrastinator, then you probably are.  Acknowledge it.  Chronically procrastinating will exhaust you and you will find yourself overwhelmed with relatively small tasks.

4.  Be resourceful

You're not alone. There are people that will happily assist you provided you are asking them for help and not telling them to help you.  Plan to reciprocate and make sure you acknowledge them for helping you.

3.  Keep a calendar

Don't trust your memory alone.  It can be challenging to plan ahead, but you will find that knowing what needs to be done day-by-day is worth every minute spent planning.  For me, the simple task of writing important dates down will almost always make me remember what I need to do (often, I won't even have to consult the calendar again once it's written down; catch-22).

2.  Bite off what you can chew

This becomes less difficult the more you use your calendar.  Remember, that you are ultimately in charge of your own schedule.  Don't agree to a date until you are sure you'll be able to follow-through.  It's far more disappointing to get stood up than to agree meeting at a later date.

1.  Sleep

Know when to quit for the day.  Don't let your night persona ruin your morning persona (sometimes, your whole day).  You're a lot more productive when you're well-rested.  

Why did I decide to pursue an internship?

As a senior at Eastern Michigan University, I can safely say that is very easy to go through your entire college career without ever taking advantage of anything but the academics.  I was not a member of any clubs (until this year: entrepreneurship club) and I did not pursue any internship opportunities until recently.  Not to say I wasn't interested, it just seemed daunting.

There are a handful of professors I have had at EMU that I would classify as ambitious, humble and effective.  For me, these characteristics in a leader (professor) are the key for me to maximize my learning capacity.  During the winter 2017 semester, Bud Gibson was my teacher for IS 239 (now MKTG 239): a class designed for students to learn the basics of Google AdWords, HTML and CSS.  Bud's teaching style was very effective and he quickly earned a lot of respect from me.

When I respect someone, I take their advice more seriously.  Bud would always make us aware of networking and internship opportunities throughout the course of the semester; the Summer Workshop was one of them.

 I sat in on a Summer Workshop meeting with the rest of the entrepreneurship club (<10 people) and the AMA club (>50 people) and listened to testimonials of interns that had already gone through the Summer Workshop; all of them had a lot of positive things to say about their experience. Hook.

At my next class with Bud, I spoke with him about the clinic and he encouraged me to pursue it.  Line.

Two weeks prior to the clinic application deadline, Bud reached out to me and suggested that I get my application in because he believed I would be a good fit for some of the company's on the internship roster. Sinker.

Had it not been for Bud's encouragement, I would not be at AdAdapted right now.  Sometimes it takes a nudge (or two) to move along and step out of your comfort zone to pursue bigger things.  Bud knew I was interested, and he helped connect me with an opportunity that could set me on the career path I desire.  I am eternally grateful to Bud and I would encourage any student in any field to consider taking a class or two with him.

Moral of the story: If you know that you're stubborn to the point that you aren't making moves, seek advice (and listen!) from people that you respect and admire; you never know what kind of opportunities may unfold.