LEARNING ASSISTANCE CENTER

LAC - lower level Emergency Evacuation Map

Policies and Procedures

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PROCRASTINATION is a habit, not a fatal flaw. It takes persistence to change, but you can do it. Here's how:

Clarify Your Personal Goals

• Articulate and write down your personal goals. Post them on your door, mirror, and notebook-so you'll see them frequently.
• Be sure the task you think you "should" do is one that is really important to you, that leads you to your goal.

Manage Your Time Effectively

• If you don't know how to manage your time, learn. Consult an LSC counselor, attend a time management workshop, or work with an independent study program in the Reading/Writing/Study Skills Lab.
• Break your goal up into little parts. Write out and list the steps you must take to accomplish your goal.
• Establish a regular time each day to work toward your goal. Get out of a disorganized lifestyle and make working toward your goal part of your routine.
• Organize your environment, complete with the tolls you'll need, so it's conducive to working. Or.move yourself to an environment which is conducive to working.
• If you aren't sure how to reach your goal, learn. For example, if you aren't clear about an assignment, plan to consult with your professor. Build this appointment into your schedule.
• Start early. Build procrastination time into your schedule.
• Start small and easily. Build gradually.

Change Your Attitude

• Do you feel that the world is too difficult?
  That you are inadequate to meet its challenges?
  That you cannot function without a lot of approval? These are immobilizing, self-defeating, avoidance-producing attitudes and beliefs. Recognize them with self-enhancing beliefs and attitudes.
• Value you mistakes; don't judge them. What is curious, useful, interesting about them? What is worthwhile?
• Know your escapes and avoidance's; self-indulgence? Socializing? Reading? Doing it yourself? Over-doing it? Running away? Day dreaming? Call yourself on them.

Change Your Behavior

• Use your friends. Set up a contract with someone to get something done. Make an appointment to study with a friend who has no difficulty studying. Arrange to meet with a friend for support, some one who will listen and who will share your highs and lows.
• Make something you normally do and enjoy contingent upon doing the avoided task: "I'll work on my term paper in the library half an hour before going to play racquetball."
• Keep your tasks visible in front of you: set up reminders, signs, slogans, notes, and lists.
• Use your impulsiveness. When you get going, keep going. Do something when you think of it, don't think about it. Do instant, tiny things.
• Do something daily. Agree to start a project and stay with it for 5 minutes. Consider another 5 minutes at the end of the first.
• Establish priorities among tasks according to the degree of unpleasantness. Start with the most unpleasant task and work down until you get to the easier ones.
• Be sure the rest of your life is in good shape.