Introduction: How to Procrastinate Effectively
Procrastination. Almost everybody is guilty of doing it at one time or another. I completely understand. There are certain times when I don't want to do anything, even though I know I need to. It's at times like these that I begin to procrastinate. However, I've worked out a way to do so effectively and still do well in school, at work, and at home (This Instructable applies much more to school than work or home). Don't let too many things stack up to a point where things will all collapse!
Step 1: Determine When You'll Have Free Time.
Even before you know what assignments you'll have, you should figure out when you'll have free time. This way, you'll be able to split up your assignments equally among your free time.
Step 2: Figure Out How Long Each Individual Assignment Will Take.
Be sure to triple check your planner or notebook to make sure you haven't forgotten any assignments. If you have, be sure to add it in before continuing.
Step 3: Set Due Dates.
Now, these due dates are not the actual dates the assignment is due (though they may be), but are in fact the times when each assignment should be done before it is actually due. For example, if you have an assignment due at 10:00 am on a given day, but have a study hall or free period before this time, this free time should be set as the due date.
Step 4: Work.
Work on the assignments you need to when you arrive home at night, but only those which you have determined you do not have time for in the coming days. By leaving yourself an entire night to work on one assignment and not all of them, you allow yourself to work better on each individually.
Step 5: Relax.
Once the single assignment you needed to complete is done, relax for the rest of the night. And that's all there is to it!
...Unless, of course, you remember an event which will mess up the schedule tomorrow, in which case continue on to Step 6.
Step 6: Panic.
If you realize before it's too late ("late" being entirely subjective to the individual), complete the assignment you would not have time for the next day to the best of your ability. If it is too late, then defer to the knowledge that you physically cannot complete the assignment without sacrificing sleep to the point where you would not be able to function the next day. It's ok. You tried your best. Or...
Step 7: Extend the Due Date.
Fake illness. Induce vomiting. Do something which will prevent you from turning in the assignment on time yet would be considered out of your control. Then, use the day gained to not only complete the assignment, but also to work on any others you would have during the day normally. Go to sleep earlier than normal so that you can compensate for today the next day by being exceptionally alert.