Opinion
 

Get work done today and play tomorrow

By Nathan Hoang

It's 5:03 a.m. and I'm still writing. I started 13 hours ago, but I've also managed to stop and improve my online poker skills and watch a movie. I'm sure some will see this as a form of apathy or pure stupidity, but this is just a simple case of procrastination. I'm sure most procrastinators say they work better under pressure and procrastination helps situations and increases success, but they're wrong. Procrastination is like exercising on a treadmill. It's fun while it lasts, but when you're done, you'll realize you've gone nowhere.

Procrastination has always haunted my science fair projects, studies and chores, but after eight years of hardcore procrastination, I still leave things for tomorrow when I could've done them today. Delaying tasks isn't an uncommon practice around campus either. A fair example can clearly be seen at the E. Cullen Building on the day tuition is due. 

Procrastinators with good excuses line up in the hall waiting to pay.

Please don't get me wrong. I am not condoning the act of postponing schoolwork until the last minute, nor am I boasting of my moronic behavior. I'm conveying the simple truth of what my dad taught me long ago — if you work now, you can play later, but if you play now, you'll have to work later. 

Unfortunately, I still need to apply my father's words to everyday life.

The only time procrastination will never be present is when lives are in danger or when there are benefits. When the Titanic sank, first-class women were quick about getting their lifeboats before they were all gone. When concert tickets go on sale, campers and tents can be seen waiting for days just to get their front-row seats. Why can't the same concept be applied to school, work and other things we dislike? 

Avoiding problems by avoiding problems will only add more problems to the problem originally avoided. The only time procrastination is beneficial is when you wait to open a bottle of wine. So please, pay your dues early so that people who skipped this column won't have to wait as long.

Hoang, an editorial writer for The Daily Cougar, can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu.