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How to turn my weakness into one of my strengths?

I'm kind of a procrastinator but I always do my work as the last moment.i work better under pressure because I focus more on those type of moments

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Subject: Career question for you

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Maht’s Answer

Hi Summer! I can definitely relate as I have time dyslexia, so if I have a deadline, I overestimate how much time I have to do something (often until it's too late).

To hack this, I start a task the SECOND I am assigned it. That momentum helps me complete it sooner rather than (much) later.

Take pride in the fact that this trait usually indicates an excellent ability to work under pressure, so that's certainly something you can leverage in your job applications (perhaps with plenty of evidence to boot)-

A final tip is to work with someone who is the opposite (someone who can get the ground running but may not be good at finishing something). You'll find that you can help each other very well.
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Jeff’s Answer

Hi Summer,

You've taken the most important step by figuring out and admitting to yourself your shortcoming. I, too, am a procrastinator and work best under pressure of deadlines.

In my case, a career in high-tech gave me lots of deadlines and time crunches so I rarely had the time to back off and procrastinate! However, I always tried to break every task down into the smallest components possible. Then, assign tight deadlines to each task. For example, if you have a paper due in six weeks, break it down into separate chapters. If you have five chapters, set a due date for each one of a week. The last week will be to integrate and tweak.. Even better, give yourself an extra week at the end, so set your overall goal at five weeks and you have a buffer if needed.

Definitely use a calendar to set up each of the mini-goals and check it daily so nothing slips through the cracks. Don't give yourself any spare time. If the chapter will actually take you three days to complete, don't give yourself a week. It is too easy to blow it off! Been there, done that!

Keep working on it and you will get better! And, good for you for understanding and working on it!

Jeff
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Michael’s Answer

I am not a usually a procrastinator. I have learned that that I do my best work when get started, let the work sit for a day or two, review what I did and build on it. However, there are some papers that I get nervous about an I will let those go until the last minute! Unlike you, that does not end well for me. When that happens, I find that it is helpful to get started with a section of the paper that seems easiest. I do not worry about the whole paper. For example, if you are writing about a book, there may be one area that is easy for you to write about. It does not matter if it is an important area. Once I get started, sometimes I just jeep going. On the other hand, I am very close to someone who is a complete procrastinator. They always start papers at the last minute and stay up all night writing them but they always do a good job. It looks very stressful to me but that seems to be the way their mind works best. They are able to relax the next day and be happy. I would feel stressed and guilty for days after. If you worry about the fact that you are procrastinating for days before the paper is due then I think you should try to find a way to get started earlier but there are all types of people. Understanding how you work is the most import thing.
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Karen’s Answer

Good that you know how and when you work best. As long as you allow yourself enough time to finish your projects, you can plan them for when you're at your best feeling confident they will be well done.

With every good wish.
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Teaira’s Answer

I was a big procrastinator. In order to overcome being a procrastinator is to just do it at the very moment you're thinking about it. If you do it right then you'll start to see a huge difference. Imagine doing something when you think about not doing it. You have so much time to correct whatever it is you need and you don't feel so overwhelmed with what it is you need to get done. That leaves so much time for other things to get done. It has been a life changer for me. Let me know how it goes. Best wishes.
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Jessica’s Answer

I've always been a procrastinator, too. What's good is that one of your strengths should already be the ability to work well and deliver under pressure. A way to help break out of waiting until the last minute, however, is to give yourself an earlier personal deadline to complete your work with a reward built into it. For example, if you have a research paper due in five weeks, give yourself a deadline to complete it in four weeks and, when you finish it, have a get-together planned with friends. Make it some sort of event with activities you enjoy that will take up a lot of your free time, so, when you complete your paper early, you get to feel the satisfaction of not having the thought of the paper you need to complete at the back of your mind. You can enjoy your event completely carefree. Then, the day before your paper is due, do a final review of your paper and complete any tweaks you feel you may need to make since you already have the skills to deliver on short notice and work under pressure. This should feel like a breeze and allow you to refresh yourself on the work you completed to ensure the quality is at the level with which you're happy. The more you're able to do this and feel the satisfaction of getting to enjoy more of your free time carefree should help you break out of the tendency to procrastinate. Good luck!
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Amen’s Answer

To beat procrastination, try breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, setting clear goals and deadlines to keep yourself on track, managing your time wisely, minimizing distractions, finding what motivates you, being kind to yourself when things don't go as planned, and reaching out for support when you need it. These steps can help you stay focused, motivated, and moving forward toward your goals, just like having a helpful friend cheering you on along the way.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Greetings, Summer!

EMBRACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - IT'S A TIME-SAVER

Transforming Procrastination into Power:

Procrastination is a common hurdle for many, but it can be harnessed as a strength if you're someone who thrives under pressure. Here are some practical steps to turn procrastination into a career-boosting asset:

Unravel Your Procrastination Patterns: Begin by figuring out why you procrastinate. Is it because you're overwhelmed, unmotivated, afraid of failing, or do you just love the thrill of working under pressure? Knowing why you procrastinate can help you tackle it more effectively.

Establish Achievable Deadlines: Rather than waiting until the last moment to begin your tasks, consider setting earlier deadlines for yourself. This can instill a sense of urgency without the panic of last-minute rush.

Segment Tasks into Bite-Sized Pieces: Break your projects into smaller, manageable tasks, each with its own deadline. This strategy can make the total workload appear less intimidating and stop you from delaying tasks.

Foster a Productive Environment: Pinpoint the settings or conditions that help you concentrate best and remove distractions that fuel your procrastination. This might mean setting up a dedicated workspace, using productivity tools, or creating a routine that suits you.

Adopt Time Management Methods: Discover various time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, Eisenhower Matrix, or task prioritization methods to boost your efficiency and productivity.

Promote Accountability: Share your goals and deadlines with someone who can hold you accountable for finishing them on time. This external accountability can inspire you to stay focused and resist procrastination.

Celebrate Your Success: Commend small wins and reward yourself for achieving milestones or finishing tasks ahead of schedule. Positive reinforcement can encourage productive behavior and curb the urge to procrastinate.

By applying these tactics and capitalizing on your ability to excel under pressure, you can morph procrastination from a drawback into a strength that bolsters your performance in your tech industry career.

Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted:

Harvard Business Review
Psychology Today
Forbes

STAY BLESSED!
James Constantine Frangos.
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James’s Answer

Pose this question to yourself: "What makes me procrastinate?" Identifying the real reason behind your delay can help you apply effective time management techniques. However, understanding the root cause of your procrastination is crucial for you to adhere to these techniques. Let's be real, many individuals perform well under pressure, but not everyone leaves tasks until the last minute to get them done.
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