Procrastination

“You have great tendencies, you should consider taking AP English your junior year. I feel you will find it fitting to your abilities.” Following the inspiring words from my previous English teacher, I made the decision to challenge myself. I felt as though I possessed the abilities to achieve a satisfactory grade within the course, however as a known procrastinator I was going to have to make more of an effort to meet my deadlines. Throughout the summer, I unintentionally continued my bad habit by waiting until the week before school began to start the summer homework, leaving some for the night before. Despite my prolonged procrastination, I managed to complete my work on time, giving me a reasonable start to the year.

I continued to procrastinate, yet managed to maintain my grade- the biggest importance to me at the time. As the semester continued and school progressed, the workload began to escalate making it increasingly difficult to complete. With sports season in full swing, personal circumstances emerging, and various underlying situations, I began to fall behind. Practices took up the majority of my time, filling six of the seven days of the week. Away games, two-hour bus rides, and late nights fell into the mix, making it nearly impossible for me to stay awake to complete well-written papers. The remainder of my time was filled with babysitting, assisting in family matters, and the court case that consumed much of my year. It had become much harder for me to complete the work that was increasingly accumulating. There was always a reason, one that always seemed like an adequate excuse: too tired, too busy, too upset. I continued to put it off – beginning assignments, yet never finishing. Without knowing the severity of my constantly lowering grade, I had no concerns.

At the end of the semester, as I learned the reality of my near-failing grade I realized the mistake I had made. My grade did not reflect my proven abilities, because I had allowed outside forces to severely impact my academics. Within the semester, my priorities had changed, and I was no longer concerned with my grades but rather with my performance in my practices or the demanding situation that arose nightly. My focus had shifted from the one thing I promised myself would be my priority: school. Within the troubles that make up one’s everyday life it can be easy to lose concentration, to become sidetracked on minor things that will no longer seem important in a short time. In the midst of my own troubles, I forgot the importance that these grades had on my future and how little my other problems would. By the time report cards came in the mail, I realized that I need to prioritize my life and keep my focus.

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