Do you procrastinate? To find out, circle the number that best applies for each question using the following scale:
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
1. I invent reasons and look for excuses for not acting on a problem.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
2. It takes pressure to get me to work on difficult assignments.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
3. I take half measures which will avoid or delay unpleasant or difficult tasks.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
4. I face too many interruptions and crises that interfere with accomplishing my major goals.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
5. I sometimes neglect to carry out important tasks.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
6. I schedule big assignments too late to get them done as well as I know I could.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
7. I'm sometimes too tired to do the work I need to do.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
8. I start new tasks before I finish old ones.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
9. When I work in groups, I try to get other people to finish what I don't.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
10. I put off tasks that I really don't want to do but know that I must do.
Strongly agree
4
3
2
1
Strongly disagree
0000
Scoring: Total the numbers you have circled. If the score is below 15, you are not a chronic procrastinator and you probably
have only an occasional problem. If your score is 16–25, you have a minor problem with procrastination. If your score is
above 25, you procrastinate quite often and should work on breaking the habit.
Now, consider the following:
- If you do procrastinate often, why do you think you do it?
- Are there particular subjects or classes or kinds of assignments that you are more likely to procrastinate on?
- Is there something that you are putting off doing right now? How might you get started on it?