Summer Update

I hope you are enjoying your summer vacation.

I wanted to let you know your report cards are in your Dropbox folder. 

If you are planning to take the CLEP and let me know how I can help you. 

Homework

Read Chapter 14

• review powerpoint

Review Study Sheet

Complete Extra Credit 

• Option 1- Word
• use Microsoft Wort to create a review of a chapter
• Option 2 - Excel
• use Excel to create a Gantt chart
• Option 3- PowerPoint
• Create a presentation on a term or idea from the last 4 weeks.

Clep Students 

• View and complete quizzes on the next section 

Homework

Read Chapter 13 Programming Languages and Program Development

• Quizlet for the week 

Clep Students 

• View and complete quizzes on the next section 

Homework Additional

Here are some additions to this weeks homework.


Quizlet for the week


Turn in Study Sheet

Homework

Read Chapter 12 Information System Development

Study Sheet

• Fill in the next two sections. 
• Preview the next section
• Bring a printed version of the study sheet (or at least of the operations section) to class next week

Clep Students 

• View and complete quizzes on Enterprise Business System 

Homework

Read Chapter 11 Computer Security and Safety, Ethics and Privacy 

• Complete T/F

• Read Back Up Files on an Offsite Internet Server. 
• If you do not already do so consider completing the section. 

• Complete Use the Windows Firewall 

Study Sheet

• Fill in Networks
• Preview the next section
• Bring a printed version of the study sheet (or at least of the operations section) to class next week

Clep Students

• View and complete quizzes on Internet, Intranet, and Extranet 

Homework

Read Chapter 10 Database Management 

• Complete Matching

• Complete Search for Files and Folders and Organize and Manage Files on your Computer

• Take a screen shot of the completed process and email to the teacher. 

Quizlet

• Database Management 

Study Sheet

• Fill in Internet and Email 
• Preview section 4
• Bring a printed version of the study sheet (or at least of the operations section) to class next week

CLEP Students

• Complete  System Software and application Software and quiz

Homework Due April 3rd

Read Chapter 9 Communications and Networks 

• Complete True/False

Study Sheet

• Fill in Operations 
• Preview Internet and Email 
• Bring a printed version of the study sheet (or at least of the operations section) to class next week

CLEP Students

• Complete Hardware and Systems Technology 

Homework Due March 27th

Read Chapter 8 Operating Systems and Utility Programs

• Complete Matching
• Complete Keep Window's Up-To Date

Study

• Work on the quizlet for the week 

Study Sheet

• Fill in the History Section
• Preview Operations
• Bring a printed version of the study sheet (or at least of the operations section) to class next week

CLEP Students

• Complete What is an Information System?
• 5 videos
• quizzes

Clep Students

For those of you interested in taking the college exam based on the material we are learning this semester, there will be additional movie viewing and quizzes for you this semester.

We will primarily be using a study too found here. Each week you will be expected to review the material under one of the primary heading which includes between 1-10 videos and a quiz on each. The quizzes are graded by the website.
Also, for those interested in taking the exam there is on book purchase I'd recommend that will give you practice tests to allow you to determine if you are ready for the exam. The REA 

Class Wednesday the 20th

I hope you've enjoyed your spring break.

I wanted to remind you we will have a quiz reviewing the information found here during class on the 20th.

Looking forward to seeing you soon

Spring Break

Have a wonderful spring break.

Enjoy your week off with no homework.

Mid-term information

Mid-Term Quizlet 

•     for those of you interested in the quizlet class you'll find it here 

Please bring either a computer or ipad to class if possible. If we do not have enough devices I'll assign pairs for you to work in.

Homework Due March 6th

• Read Chapter 7 Storage
• Complete the Matching section turn in
• Complete the following-
• Maintain Hard Drive section
• Quizlet Storage quizlet 

Blogpost to follow with mid-term information

Homework Due February 27th

• Read Chapter 6 Output
• Complete the True/False and Multiple Choice turn in
• Complete the following-
• Review Problem Solving @ Home
• Complete Learn How To: Control Printing on Your Computer
• Review Quizlet Chapters 5 and 6

Homework Due February 20th

• Read Chapter 5 Input
• Complete the True/False and Multiple Choice turn in
• Complete the following-
• Import photos/video to your computer
• Import song from your computer
• Import a document from a USB drive or SD card
• Import an item through some other means (be smart and safe)
• Screenshot an image of you doing this assignment and email it or dropbox it to the teacher by Monday night. PC Tutorial Mac Tutorial  

Quizlet to study

      Chapter 5 and 6 Input and Output

Homework Due February 13th

• Read Chapter 4 The Components of the System Unit
• Complete the True/False and Multiple Choice turn in
• Complete the following 
• Problem solving @ Home

Quizlet to study

      Chapter 3- Application Software 

      Chapter 4- The Components of the System Unit 

Getting Focused

Part 1: DISTRACTIONS

Distractions make it difficult to stay focused on your studies. Whether it is working on a project, creating a model, or writing a research paper, distraction affects them all. Every day we are confronted by diversions such as television, Facebook, online shows, cell phones and friends. Sometimes getting easily distracted is the result of insufficient motivation to complete your work. Motivation is your desire to move forward. So what causes distraction? Is it merely being unable to focus? Or could lack of motivation be the cause? This article will help you pinpoint the cause of your distractions and will point you in the right direction.

TYPES OF DISTRACTIONS

The internet, your cellphone, your friends, and your home are the source of many distractions just waiting to happen. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and email are waiting on the internet. Text messages and phone calls also draw your attention away from your work. Whenever we are distracted, we leave our work; every time we come back to our work, we must refocus and refresh our memory. Therefore, it is important to recognize how your individual distractions affect you in order to eliminate them from your study area.

PREPARE YOUR STUDY AREA

Where you study may contribute to distraction. Make sure that your study area is clean and not too comfortable. If it’s too comfortable you may doze off or daydream. Keep your area clean and have the tools and materials you need to begin and finish your work. You do not want to spend time looking for items that you need because you left them at home. When you begin studying, intend to have non-disruptive studying for the designated time set aside – 20 to 50 minutes is most effective. Don’t sabotage yourself – put away your cell phone, iPod (if music distracts you), and close Facebook or else you might get diverted and spend valuable time surfing the web. Bring small snacks and beverages so that when you get hungry you will have something immediately available. Remember: you are trying to develop a habit of studying in an environment where you’re not easily distracted. And consider other study locations – maybe a coffee shop, a spot in the library; whatever works best for you. Become consistent so that studying becomes a natural and productive part of your daily routine.

STUDY BUDDIES AND STUDY GROUPS

If you don’t like studying alone, consider a study buddy. Get to know someone in your class. Make sure that your study buddy is not someone you’re extremely friendly with and hang out on the weekend. Remember, your goal is to study; studying with one of your best friends may be unproductive. Studying with a study buddy can also help you stay on track. If you see your study buddy focused on their work, it should help you stay motivated on your work. For many people, starting a regular study group may be helpful. (If you know you will be distracted by a study group, don’t join one!) However, if you learn better through discussion with others, consider this option. At the beginning of the term, form a small group which meets regularly. Again, when considering a study group, be cautious not to simply pick your friends because that may be less productive and add to the list of distractions. Joining a study group or having a study buddy that helps and encourages you, can make studying easier, more enjoyable, and more productive.

FACE THE FACTS

Despite your attempts to eliminate them, some distraction is inevitable. Rather than becoming frustrated with little distractions out of your control, learn how to handle them. Often while studying, other things may come to mind. You may be reading or studying and suddenly remember you need to clean your room or the trash needs to be taken out, and pretty soon three hours have passed as you clean up the entire place. Instead of becoming consumed by these distractions, keep a notepad or piece of paper handy and jot down a note to yourself to come back to later. Writing the distraction down helps it leave your mind.

READING

Distractions while reading is also a problem. Have you ever found yourself rereading a page for 30 minutes and still missing the main idea? Here are some ways to help you concentrate while reading.

First, you need to know why you are reading the material. Which class is this for? What type of reading should I expect from the class? The readings that are assigned are unique to your class. For example, a reading for sociology class will be different than your English class. So, knowing what type of reading to expect can be helpful.

Second, scan the text or chapter before you begin. This would include the introduction, the conclusion, any headers and the index. Once you begin, read the entire section without stopping. If you do not understand something, wait until you are done reading to return to your question. If you still do not understand the passage, then write it down and ask your professor during class or office hours.

LACK OF MOTIVATION

There may be other reasons for your distraction. Your motivation may not be what it used to be. Perhaps you lack the energy to get out of bed and go to class. You might also find it hard to begin your homework and when you do, you usually end up doing something else. Your lack of motivation could be the underlying factor to being easily distracted. People who have low or no motivation at all often try to come up with excuses of why they can’t or shouldn’t do this or that. There are many reasons for lack of motivation such as: lack of faith in one’s abilities, low self-esteem, procrastination, the feeling that there are more important things to do, or being unaware of the importance and usefulness of the subject. These are the reasons that you need to be aware of so you can change the way you think.

OVERCOMING LACK OF MOTIVATION

As a student you are here for college. Being a college student should be your main priority. You need to re-identify your academic goals. Remember why you picked this college, why you selected your major, and what you want to do with it. You need to ask yourself, “Why am I in college?” and what do you want to do after graduation. This will help you remember why you are here in the first place and give you motivation to finish your classes and graduate. Something that you should remember is that California Polytechnic State University is one of the hardest schools to get into. Ever year there are approximately of 37,000 incoming freshman who apply and only 4,000 freshman spots are available. This means that you had motivation in high school to get into this college. Coming to the realization that many actions can bring benefits and improvements to your college experience helps to overcome lack of motivation.

 

Part 2: CONCENTRATION

Most students begin the term with every intention of staying on top of their studies. However, as the quarter progresses, everything starts to pile up. Part of the problem may be your inability to concentrate as you study which is crucial to studying and being productive. Here are some suggestions for staying focused which may help you reduce stress.

SCHEDULE YOUR STUDY TIME ACCORDING TO YOU

Saying you will study at home during your two-hour break is often ineffective. You know you will find something else to do and push back the study time, or never get to it at all. Instead, set aside specific study times. Make these times consistent and regular. Write your study times into whatever you use: a planner, a calendar, or your phone.

PRIORITIZE YOUR STUDIES AND CREATE YOUR PLAN OF ATTACK

Prioritizing your studies before you begin will help you follow a more structured plan to execute for your allotted study period. When prioritizing your studies, start with your most challenging classes first (most commonly, these are the classes that require the most attention). You will feel more accomplished if you get the harder tasks out of the way. You also may feel a sense of relief as you move on to your easier classes.

Set realistic goals for yourself. If your goals are realistic and achievable, you’ll be encouraged to complete them. However, don’t overcommit to more than is possible. You will burn out and lose motivation quickly.

TAKE STUDY BREAKS!

Avoid overworking yourself and getting burnt out early in the term. Studies have shown that 45% of the time we get distracted from our work causing us to forget where we left off and 25% of the time we forget to even come back to the task at hand, so it is crucial to take short active breaks of approximately 15-20 minutes so you feel refreshed and ready to go. Keep in mind though, that if you take long breaks it may be difficult to return to the material and pick up where you left off.

REWARD YOURSELF

Rewarding yourself may an effective method of boosting your productivity. Since you know yourself better than anyone, you know what reward will best motivate you. Set rewards before start studying. If you reach your goal without distraction, reward yourself. This reward may be anything from taking time off without feeling guilty to going out for ice cream. Find a way to acknowledge and reward your hard work and concentration.

GENERAL HEALTH

It may not be obvious that exercising and eating right will affect studying, but it really has a remarkable impact. College students often neglect physical health due to stress or lack of time. However, if you work out regularly and eat right, you will feel better and your mental health will improve. This means when you sit down to study, you will feel energized and you mind will focus more easily. Now you can hit the books and be productive! Good luck!

 

HELPFUL LINKS:

• No time in the week left for studying? http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/TMInteractive.html
• What are your study habits? http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/checklis.html
• Are you lacking motivation? http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/motivate.html
• Links used were from: http://www.ucc.vt.edu
• For more information and resources, contact the Academic skills center or find a Study Seminar. HTTP://WWW.SAS.CALPOLY.EDU/ASC/SSS.HTML

 

Footnotes

1. "College Studying Tips - Study Habits - Cramming." College Admissions - SAT - University & College Search Tool. Web. 02 Nov. 2010. <http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/961.html>.

 

Bibliography

Clifford G. Schuette, E. (1997). Improving Your Concentration. Retrieved from Kansas State Universtiy Counseling Services: <http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/topics/career/concentr.html>

Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech. (2000). Strategies for Improving Concentratoin and MemoryEvaluation. Retrieved from <http://www.ucc.vt.edu/ICConclusion.htm>

How-To-Study.com. (2010). Improving Concentration. Retrieved from How-To-Study.com: <http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/studying/98/improving-concentration/>

Rebecca, Y. (. (2009, February 18). associatedcontent.net. Retrieved from Simple Strategies to Improve Your Concentration:<http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1474695/simple_strategies_to_improve_your_concentration.html?cat=>

Allen, Jim. “10 Tips to Improve Your Reading Skills.” <http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Allen9.html> 5 Nov. 2010.

Latino, Robert J. “The Effects of Distractions on Human Performance” <http://www.reliability.com> 22.Oct 2010.

Morris, Ginny. “How to Find Motivation to do Your Homework.” How to do Things. 22. Oct 2010

“Reading and Study Skills System.” <http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/sq3r.html> 22 Oct. 2010.

Sasson, Remez. “Lack of Motivation” <http://www.successconsciousness.com/lack-motivation-enthusiasm.htm>22.Oct 2010.

Simmons, Kantis. “7.25 Ways to Overcome Apathy or Lack of Motivation in School as a Student.” Kantis Simmons: Helping Students Play their “A” Game in School and in Life. 22 Oct. 2010.

Academic Skills Center

California Polytechnic State University

http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html

used by permission

Homework Due February 6th

• Read Chapter 3
• Complete the matching checkpoint and turn in
• Complete the following How To
• Zip/Compress a File 

If you have any questions let me know.

So...your teacher is sick

I wanted to let you know that you will be having a substitute teacher tomorrow. For class you will be watching a film and completing a worksheet.
I need your homework emailed to me or given to the substitute teacher.


Have a great week.

Homework Due January 30th

• Read Chapter 2
• Complete the True/False and turn in
• Complete the following How To
• Send email with attachment 
• OPTIONAL (ONLY with parents permission this is not required and no grade will be given for these assignments)
• Publish Resume on LinkedIn or other resume site 
• Problem solving @ home section

If you have any questions let me know.

Quizlet to come 

Homework Due January 23rd

• Quizlet work on the following quizlet
• Computing Terms
• Read Chapter 1
• Complete the True/False and Multiple Choice sections of review
• Complete the following How To
• Start and Close a Program 
• OPTIONAL Create and Use your own blog (ONLY with parents permission this is not required and no grade will be given for this assignment)
• 
  

If you have any questions let me know.

For those considering taking the DSST exam

Great Study Aid...
http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/chaissonat4/

School is starting again...

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

Procrastination

“Procrastination is the thief of time.” - Edward Young (1683-1765)

Discussion

Procrastination is a complex psychological behavior that affects everyone to some degree or another. With some it can be a minor problem; with others it is a source of considerable stress and anxiety. Procrastination is only remotely related to time management, (procrastinators often know exactly what they should be doing, even if they cannot do it), which is why very detailed schedules usually are no help.

Characteristics

The procrastinator is often remarkably optimistic about his ability to complete a task on a tight deadline; this is usually accompanied by expressions of reassurance that everything is under control. (Therefore, there is no need to start.) For example, he may estimate that a paper will take only five days to write; he has fifteen days; there is plenty of time; no need to start. Lulled by a false sense of security, time passes. At some point, he crosses over an imaginary starting time and suddenly realizes, "Oh no! - I am not in control! There isn't enough time!”

At this point, considerable effort is directed towards completing the task, and work progresses. This sudden spurt of energy is the source of the erroneous feeling that “I only work well under pressure.” Actually, at this point you are making progress only because you haven't any choice. Your back is against the wall and there are no alternatives. Progress is being made, but you have lost your freedom.

Barely completed in time, the paper may actually earn a fairly good grade; whereupon the student experiences mixed feelings: pride of accomplishment (sort-of), scorn for the professor who cannot recognize substandard work, and guilt for getting an undeserved grade. But the net result is reinforcement: the procrastinator is rewarded positively for his poor behavior. (“Look what a decent grade I got after all!”) As a result, the counterproductive behavior is repeated over and over again.

Positive reinforcement for delay (a good grade) is a principal contributor to continued procrastination.

Other Characteristics

• Low Self-Confidence - The procrastinator may struggle with feelings of low self-confidence and low self-esteem. He may insist upon a high level of performance even though he may feel inadequate or incapable of actually achieving that level.
• I'm Too Busy - Procrastination may be used to call attention to how busy he is. “Obviously I cannot do such and such because my affairs are so complicated and so demanding. That is why I am late, etc.” The procrastinator may even spend considerable time justifying his reasons, time that could be spent doing the work.
• Stubbornness - Procrastination may be used as an expression of stubbornness or pride: “Don't think you can push me around. I will do it when I'm good and ready.”
• Manipulation - Procrastination may be used to control or manipulate the behavior of others. “They cannot start if I am not there.” Let's face it: deliberate delay drives others crazy.
• Coping with Pressures - Procrastination is often truly difficult to eradicate since the delay behavior has become a method of coping with day-to-day pressures and experiences. Obviously if one is cured, others will put new demands and expectations upon you. It's easier to have an excuse, to delay, to put off.
• A Frustrated Victim - The procrastinator often feels like a victim: he cannot understand his behavior or why he cannot get work done like others. The whole thing is a frustrating mystery. The reasons for his behavior are hidden from him.

Benefits of Overcoming Procrastination

What are the benefits of overcoming procrastination? Peace of mind, a feeling of strength and purpose, and healthy feeling of being in charge of your life. While procrastination makes you feel weak, useless, and helpless, taking charge of your life will make you feel strong, competent, and capable. You will experience increased personal freedom!

Four Simple Reasons for Procrastination

1. Difficult - the task seems hard to do; we naturally tend to avoid difficult things in favor of those which seem easy to us.
2. Time-consuming - the task will take large blocks of time, and large blocks of time are unavailable until the weekend.
3. Lack of knowledge or skills - no one wants to make mistakes, so wait until you learn how before you start.
4. Fears - everyone will know how you screwed up.

The simple cure? Do everything opposite. Tell yourself: this isn't so hard, it won't take long, and I am sure that I know how to do it, or that I can learn while I'm doing it. And no one else really cares because they are all so busy with their own problems.

Four Complex Reasons for Procrastination

1. Perfectionism - unrealistically high expectations or standards. Everything must go completely right. It may either imposed or self-imposed. The perfectionist is long on criticism and short on praise.
   • It creates a high degree of dissatisfaction and frustration because seldom is anything accomplished that is completely acceptable the very first time. The perfectionist nitpicks it to death.
   • A perfectionist may delay in starting a project because he feels overwhelmed by the sheer amount of energy it will take to criticize and nitpick something, and all the frustration it will generate in the process.
   • The words should, ought, must, have to occur frequently in the person's conversation. (I should get straight A's; I must do everything right the first time, etc.) “If you can't do it right, don't do it at all.”
   • The desire to have everything absolutely perfect may mask problems of self-esteem and self-confidence.

   How to resolve:

   • Try self-reassurance that this effort or version will be good enough
   • Make an effort to praise what you have done
   • It's impossible to eradicate all mistakes
   • You have undoubtedly found all the fatal errors by now
   • Remind yourself that great writers, poets, artists at one time or another completed their work; therefore, it will be okay to say that yours is done also.
2. Anger/Hostility - if we are unhappy with someone, we'll often withhold our best efforts. For example, if you are upset with a professor, you are likely to delay in starting a demanding project as a way of “getting even.” But you are the one who loses; you are the one with the low grade.
   
   

   How to resolve:

   Determine that you are the one who is feeling upset and see how your actions will actually harm you in the long run. You are not going to let how you feel about a particular class stand in the way of your personal future, are you?
3. Low Frustration Tolerance - circumstances overwhelm you easily; you find situations radically intolerable and terribly unfair. Frustration is characterized by whining and complaining, and such phrases as “it isn't fair,” “this is too hard,” and “no one else has to,” etc. Feeling the way you do, it seems reasonable to “put it off” until you feel better about doing the work. The trouble is, you feel just as frustrated the next day. 
   
   

   How to resolve:

   the more you want something and can't have it, the greater your level of frustration.
   • Get help from someone who can show you how to solve the problem
   • Learn how to temporarily postpone your desires. Most of the time, you will eventually get what you want.
4. Self-Downing - this happens when you continually minimize your own skills and abilities and express doubt about your ability to succeed. A person who habitually puts himself down tends to disbelieve himself even when he is successful: it was “just dumb luck.” In addition, he may also find it hard to accept praise and compliments for work performed - false modesty. (“Wow, you did so well on the exam!” “Oh, I just lucked out; I really didn't know it all that well.”) 
   
   The trouble with self-downing is that, given a long enough time, the person will actually come to believe that he is incapable of certain levels of achievement. 
   
   Self-downing results in procrastination because the person who is uncomfortable with success will seek ways to become less successful and less visible. Turn in that important quarterly report late, and soon success will fade. (“Why did they fire you?” “I told them all along I couldn't sustain the pace, and see! I was right. I can't work at that level.”) 
   
   

   How to resolve:

   • practice accepting compliments about your work performance by simply saying "Thank you."
   • Figure out why you feel uncomfortable with success. Did significant others in your life often make you feel that way? Were you taught to minimize your success? Why is success so scary? Will it make you stand out in the crowd? Do you feel as though others will not accept you if you are successful?
   • Remember to compliment and praise yourself for work accomplished.

The Inner Workings of Procrastination

A = Activating Event. The activating event is whatever you are putting off, such as studying, tests or unpleasant tasks.

B = Belief System. These are your "hidden" feelings about the task; your feelings govern your motivation. If you have negative feelings, you will tend to put off or delay. These feelings control your response.

C = Consequence. This is what we actually do. There are two approaches: rational and irrational. A rational response is "I don't like writing papers at all, but I had better get going on it anyway." An irrational approach is "I hate writing papers, and even though it's due next week, I'll start it later."

The fact is, all tasks are really neutral. Examine your belief system, understand why you dislike the task, then change your way of thinking.

Steps to the Cure

1. Realize you are delaying something unnecessarily.
2. Discover the real reasons for your delay. List them.
3. Dispute those real reasons and overcome them. Be vigorous.
4. Begin the task.

Practice What You've Learned

• Think of one thing you are currently procrastinating in, and write it on the line below. It might be personal, school or work-related.
• Now write all the reasons for your delay. This may take five or ten minutes because some of them are really hidden from you. These reasons are the controlling influences. Write down as many as possible.
• In the "Arguments Against Delay" column, argue against all the reasons for delay in a convincing manner. If you can argue against them successfully, you will be able to start the task.

I'm delaying on ________ because

Reasons for Delay

1._______________

2._______________

3._______________

4._______________

Arguments Against Delay

_______________

_______________

_______________

_______________

Some Tools That Will Help

• Make the tasks look small and easy in your mind. ("I've written lots of excellent papers; this is just one more paper.")
• Do only a small part of the task each time. ("I'll just check out the books tonight. Later on, I'll glance through them.")
• Five-minute plan: Work on something for just five minutes. At the end of five minutes, switch to something else if you want. Chances are, you'll get involved enough to keep going.
• Advertise your plans to accomplish something, and let peer pressure push you forward. ("I told everyone that I was going to finish this tonight.")
• Use a good friend as a positive role model. If you have trouble concentrating, study in the presence of someone who doesn't.
• Modify your environment - if you can't study at home, find a place where you can study; or, change your study situation at home.
• Plan tomorrow and establish priorities - some students find that simply writing down reasonable starting and stopping times help them get going.
• Expect some backsliding. Don't expect to be perfect even when you're trying to get rid of perfectionism! So occasionally, your plans will not work. Accept setbacks and start again.

An Insight

Procrastination is reinforcing - every time you delay, it reinforces your negative attitude toward that task. Every time you put off something you dislike, you:

1. strengthen the habit of not doing;
2. practice avoidance instead of participation;
3. avoid acquiring training and skills, and
4. indoctrinate yourself with fears.

Active participation in anything tends to give you a positive attitude toward that activity; inactivity helps acquire an unfavorable attitude. In other words, the reason you dislike calculus is because it's hanging over your head, worrying you. Since you haven't acquires skills in it, you can't do the assignments, so why try? Also, there's a test coming up soon, and you MUST do well on it -- except you know you can't. Suddenly everything seems terribly unfair (class is too hard) and you become angry towards the teacher (he goes too fast, and he seems indifferent to my struggles.) The truth is, the sooner you get involved in your studies, the better you will feel.

Common Impediments to Overcoming Procrastination

Procrastination is relatively hard to overcome since you can delude yourself about it so easily. The following is a list of things we often tell ourselves:

1. Mañana - "I'll do it tomorrow."
2. Contingent mañana - "I'll do it tomorrow, if ..."
3. Grasshopperism - "I need to have some well-earned fun first." (In aesop's fable, the grasshopper fiddled and played all summer while the ants stored up winter supplies. When winter came, the grasshopper suffered.)
4. Escapism - "I've got to get out for a while to clear my mind."
5. Impulsiveness - "My problem will be solved if I change my major, or attend a different college, or... "
6. Music and reading - "I'll relax a while and then get started."
7. Cavalry to the Rescue - "The professor will get sick and cancel finals!"

Common Rationalizations

Each of these rationalizations needs to be argued against and defeated so that you can experience success. Write a rebuttal for each one.

1. "I'm more productive when I work under pressure, so I'm postponing all my work until the pressure builds up and then I'll get it done easily."
2. "I don't know how to do this problem, so I'm waiting until I know how before I do it."
3. "This task isn't getting done because I really don't want to do it. And that's the honest truth"
4. "Relax. The world isn't going to come to an end if this doesn't get done."
5. "This job is easier to do when I'm in the mood, and I'm simply not in the mood right now."
6. "I waited until the last moment before and it worked out okay, so why not this time?"
7. "If I wait until the last minute, I won't spend so much time on it."
8. "If I do this work right now, I'll miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime social event."
9. "Circumstances beyond my control prevented me from doing so."
10. "I've worked on this for so long that I have no interest or energy for it."

Finally:

Now that you understand how procrastination works, and how you can greatly reduce its influence in your life, you'll experience more freedom and greater personal self-satisfaction.

Keep working on it. You may still procrastinate, but now you'll be able to resolve the situation much more quickly which in turn will enhance your feelings of self-confidence. When you do succeed, take time to savor the moment so you will remember how good it feels. This will help the next time you need encouragement.

Treat the discovery process like a game, and have some fun with yourself.

Bibliography

Burka, Jane B., and Yuen, Lenora M. Procrastination. Reading: Addison-Wesley, 1983.

Ellis, Albert, and Knaus, William J. Overcoming Procrastination. New York: Signet Books, 1977.

Academic Skills Center

California Polytechnic State University

http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html

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