As soon as I see or hear the word ‘procrastination’, I think of Hamlet! Weird but true. When I studied English Literature at ‘A’ Level, one of the set books was Hamlet. In the actual exam, one of the questions asked was ‘Why does Hamlet procrastinate?’ I’ve never forgotten this question, but I have no idea why!

Procrastination is when you delay doing something that needs to be done.

When I was younger, I was pretty good at meeting deadlines. At school, I would always get my homework done straightaway. A habit I maintained when I was a student and studying for my degree.

Even when I started teaching, I would always be one of the first to get my pupil reports finished. Looking back, I think this was partly because I was conscientious but, equally, because I was anxious about what might happen if I procrastinated and didn’t meet a deadline.

As I grew older, I became more confident. There were more calls on my time, mainly my family, and I began to realise that the world didn’t end if I procrastinated occasionally. In fact, sometimes life went more smoothly. Instead of rushing into a decision, I would reflect, take my time and use my intuition.

I will leave the last words to Douglas Adams, author of ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.’

“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”

Do you procrastinate?!