Procrastination: the thief of time and productivity

As we start a new school year, let's look back on my summer: how it feels to go back to work, and give some insight to all the new students kicking off their college journey. If there’s one theme that connects all of these experiences, it’s procrastination – something we all face in one way or another.

My Summer: So Much Freedom

This summer was quite different for me, as I experienced the rhythm of a 9-month faculty contract. With extra time on my hands, I found a balance between professional projects and hobbies I never thought I'd dive into. From reconstructing furniture to partially remodeling my closet, I tapped into my creative side. I traveled out of the country TWICE and got to see Niagara Falls and the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana. I even picked up line dancing, and through that, met new friends and built connections in ways I hadn't expected.

Professionally, I had the opportunity to teach an online course focused on healthcare policy advocacy. It opened my eyes to how we, as pharmacists, can be better advocates—not just for our patients, but for our profession. These advocacy skills are not just limited to healthcare but are valuable in any industry, making the experience rewarding and applicable in so many areas.

On the conference front, I decided to attend just one this summer—the Kappa Psi Grand Council Convention. It’s one of my favorite events, filled with networking, fraternity business, and professional development. Attending fewer conferences this year was a conscious decision, as I reassessed how much I could handle financially and emotionally without burning out. I’ve come to realize that pacing myself is just as important as professional growth.

Transitioning Back to Work: The Reality Check

Coming back to work after a relatively unstructured summer was challenging. I went from having full control of my day to needing to be productive on a more rigid schedule, complete with an hour-long commute. That switch was hard, especially with the pressure I put on myself to improve based on feedback from last year. I feel like I need to overhaul all of my lectures, exam questions and assignments.

As someone who struggles with perfectionism, it’s all too easy to feel like everything needs to change at once. But I’m learning to be kinder to myself. Tackling one thing at a time instead of overwhelming myself with all the changes I want to make has been my greatest growth area. Perfectionism can paralyze us into inaction, which brings me to the real culprit: procrastination.

Procrastination: My Struggle is Real

Let me be honest—this blog post is a prime example of procrastination in action. I had set a goal to write two blog articles per month, and here I am, putting it off until the last minute. Why? Because I convince myself that I don’t have anything valuable to say or that what I write isn’t good enough. It’s that same self-criticism that leads to delay after delay.

We’ve all been there—setting a goal, only to find ourselves not believing we can actually accomplish it. Accountability buddies and structured schedules are my saving grace. Without them, reaching my goals would be far more difficult. And even though Lil Wayne says “real G’s move in silence like lasagna,” I know that if I don’t create a system of accountability, my silent plans may never come to be.

Getting Started: Tips for Staying Productive

Over time, I’ve learned a few strategies to combat procrastination. Visual reminders are my best friend—sticky notes on my computer, a dry-erase board on my wall, and specific calendar alerts all help keep me on track. One of my favorite productivity mantras is, "If you have to eat a frog, eat the biggest one first." Tackling the most daunting task early makes everything else seem easier.

For others, the opposite approach works—starting with quick, easy wins to build momentum. The key is knowing yourself and what works best for you.

For New and Returning Students: Find Your Rhythm, Beat Procrastination

To everyone going on this journey: procrastination is part of the learning process, and overcoming it is a skill you’ll develop over time. It’s okay if it takes a few tries to find the right system for you. What’s important is to stick with it and keep practicing. Accountability buddies can make all the difference, and don’t be afraid to try different strategies until something clicks.

The habits you build now will shape your future, both academically and professionally. Procrastination might seem like an insurmountable obstacle, but with some trial and error, you’ll find what works for you. Trust the process—you’ve got this.

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Let me know if you’d like to make any adjustments!