Project Outline-Christi Chan

RQ: Why do people procrastinate?

My Genre- Video Essay

I.Introduction

• Opening: A skit of a girl getting home from school to do homework but ends up not doing it due to procrastination (trying to making it funny)
• Scenario- she comes home from school. She walks to the couch and puts her book bag down. She picks up the TV remote and she turns it on the TV. She says “I’ll do my homework in a bit. A little bit of TV can’t hurt”. 3hrs later…. Still watching TV. Pause the video.
• “Some people would call this laziness but that’s not really not the case”. 

• Personal Connection: Share personal experience as a procrastinator—specifically during COVID-19 (e.g., distractions from schoolwork, scrolling on social media).
• Curiosity: Introduce the key question: Is procrastination just laziness, or is there a deeper emotional reason behind it?
• Objective: Explain how procrastination is more than just a lack of motivation—it’s tied to emotions, mental states, and creativity.

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II. The Psychology Behind Procrastination

1. The Cognitive Dissonance Theory
   • Explanation: Procrastination isn’t about laziness, it’s a result of the brain avoiding discomfort or anxiety that certain tasks cause.
   • Key Point: Our brains naturally seek instant gratification, so we avoid tasks that feel unpleasant in the moment, even if they are important in the long run.
   • Example: The girl in the skit chooses to watch TV or scroll on her phone because it’s immediately rewarding, whereas the homework feels overwhelming and uncomfortable.
2. Fear of Failure or Perfectionism
   • Explanation: People often procrastinate because they’re afraid of failing or not doing a task perfectly.
   • Key Point: Perfectionism can paralyze someone from starting a task because they set unrealistically high standards.
   • Example: You might have that essay sitting there, but you can’t start because you’re worried it won’t be “perfect” or good enough.
3. The Temporal Discounting Effect
   • Explanation: Humans tend to favor short-term rewards over long-term goals.
   • Key Point: This leads to procrastination because we opt for the “quick wins” like social media instead of tackling tasks with delayed rewards, like finishing a big project.
   • Example: The girl in the skit is tempted to watch TV rather than start her homework, because it feels more rewarding in the moment.

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III. Types of Procrastination

1. Active Procrastination
   • Explanation: Some people procrastinate by delaying a task, but still manage to get it done under pressure, which is often due to the adrenaline rush of a looming deadline.
   • Key Point: Active procrastinators argue that they work better under pressure, but it can lead to burnout.
   • Example: The girl in the skit might not start her homework until the night before, but then pulls an all-nighter to finish it in time.
2. Passive Procrastination
   • Explanation: Other people avoid tasks entirely and let deadlines slip without doing anything about it.
   • Key Point: Passive procrastination is more harmful in the long run, leading to chronic stress and negative consequences.
   • Example: The girl doesn’t even start her homework or do anything productive, choosing instead to zone out in front of the TV or daydream.

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IV. Why Procrastination is Harmful

1. Increased Stress and Anxiety
   • Explanation: The longer a task is avoided, the more stressful it becomes, and the more overwhelming it feels when it’s eventually tackled.
   • Key Point: Procrastination can create a vicious cycle, where avoidance only leads to more negative feelings.
   • Example: The girl eventually feels anxious and stressed as the homework deadline nears, but the anxiety only makes her more reluctant to begin.
2. Lowered Self-Esteem
   • Explanation: Procrastination can make individuals feel like they’re “not good enough” or incapable of handling their responsibilities.
   • Key Point: Constantly putting things off reinforces a negative self-image and can damage confidence.
   • Example: The girl may end up feeling bad about herself for procrastinating, making it harder to break the cycle.
3. Impact on Quality of Work
   • Explanation: Procrastination can affect the quality of the work produced.
   • Key Point: Rushed work often lacks the time for thoughtful revision, leading to mistakes and subpar results.
   • Example: The girl might submit her homework late or in a rush, and it ends up being lower quality than if she’d started it earlier.

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V. How to Overcome Procrastination

1. Breaking Tasks into Smaller Steps
   • Explanation: Large tasks feel overwhelming, which leads to procrastination. Breaking them into smaller, manageable steps can make them seem less daunting.
   • Key Point: Use techniques like the Pomodoro method to work in focused bursts.
   • Example: Instead of sitting down to do “all of the homework,” she can start by reviewing just one chapter or completing a single question.
2. Change of Environment
   • Explanation: Sometimes changing your workspace can help reset your mind and make you more productive.
   • Key Point: A cluttered or distracting environment can encourage procrastination, while a clean, organized space promotes focus.
   • Example: The girl might move her study area away from distractions like the TV or a comfortable bed.
3. Set Clear Deadlines
   • Explanation: Establishing deadlines can create a sense of urgency and help overcome the urge to put things off.
   • Key Point: Self-imposed deadlines can mimic the pressure of a real deadline, forcing you to get started.
   • Example: The girl sets a timer on her phone for 30 minutes, committing to just focus on homework for that short period.
4. Reward Yourself
   • Explanation: Rewarding yourself for completing a task helps reinforce positive behavior.
   • Key Point: After completing a small task, treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a snack or a short break.
   • Example: After finishing a section of homework, the girl allows herself to take a 10-minute break to watch her favorite YouTube video.

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VI. Conclusion

• Summary of Key Points: Recap the psychological reasons for procrastination, the different types of procrastinators, and the negative effects it can have.
• Call to Action: Encourage viewers to reflect on their own habits and try some of the techniques for overcoming procrastination.

Closing Thought: “Procrastination might be a natural tendency, but it doesn’t have to control you. It’s about finding balance, managing your emotions, and just starting—no matter how small the step.”