The steps to take as a student prevent procrastination from taking over.

Procrastination is something that every high school student has experienced. Whether it happens over finals, essays, or even small assignments, procrastination is normal. It can be easy for students to feel overwhelmed or down about themselves when this happens, but Barstow’s teachers and counselors are here to help provide ways to efficiently manage school work and eliminate the added stress. 

There are many simple solutions to dealing with procrastination, “I give myself motivation, like telling myself I can have ice cream if I finish this assignment,” says Teagen Kesner ‘28. Sometimes, especially later in the school year, these simple solutions stop working as well for students. 

Mrs. Anne Enright, one of Barstow’s counselors, shares her thoughts about procrastination, and gives out some resources to help students overcome it during class meetings. 

Mrs. Enright explains that most students have to face the reality of procrastination,“At one time or another,” she says, “life presents multiple challenges.” These struggles are sometimes inevitable, making it more important to recognize when they are happening in order to take early measures to help combat bad habits. 

Procrastination occurs because of the many tasks and decisions that we face  everyday. The buildup of these assignments quickly becomes overwhelming. While striving for the best grades is important, it can also cause more stress than necessary “Most of us want to do our best and may fear failure as we move forward,” says Mrs. Enright. She also adds that these tasks are not always easy to achieve, and when students recognize that, they can get intimidated to complete them.

Mrs. Enright wants people to remember that only we are capable of the decisions we make. We are in charge of when we complete our assignments. When you feel yourself stressing over a buildup of tasks, remember to take time for yourself to get in a calm state of mind. 

If you are not able to calm yourself easily, she encourages you to practice and reach out to your Sources of Strength. These are your healthy activities, generosity, spirituality, physical and mental health, family, friends, and mentors. 

There are many methods that students can practice to ensure that procrastination does not overcome them. Reviewing and implementing the Sources of Strength daily is a great way to keep a better attitude while also balancing mind, body, and character. 

Mrs. Enright has a great plan for what she thinks would work best to finish assignments more efficiently. The first step is identifying all tasks that you currently have, and then setting a goal. This goal can be to complete a set amount of work by a certain time or day. Start thinking about the order in which you will complete your assignments based on due dates and importance, and then create a schedule to keep track of what you will be doing everyday. 

She encourages you to consistently check and revise your schedule everyday, and makes adjustments as needed. This organization will help when all planned out, but if you’re still stressed or struggling, Mrs. Enright would be happy to meet together and discuss a different plan. 

The counselors at Barstow are always ready and willing to help you through any struggles you are experiencing. They encourage you to reach out early on in these problems so that they can set up a plan to move forward. Procrastination can be difficult and scary, and it is important to take control of it before you become too overwhelmed with schoolwork. 

Don’t be afraid to reach out to any faculty members, especially counselors, at school because they are here to help you.