The Benefits of Doing Things Last Minute

Should we do things last minute? The immediate answer is no, but the real answer is that it depends. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t encourage doing things last minute, but sometimes it can be beneficial for you. Depending if you are procrastinating an assignment or cramming for a test, it might just be that doing things last minute will help you succeed.

There are many factors that influence whether or not doing things last minute is more effective for you, For instance, how you handle stress. Some people work better under pressure than others and need that type of stress in order to be able to work. I’m one of these people. There have been many times where I blank out and use the adrenaline from stress to fuel my work. If that’s you, doing things last minute is beneficial for you. Another factor is how well you know the material. If the topic is something that you know very well and can easily talk about, then you can probably cram a review of the material the day before and do well. Memory also plays a role in whether procrastination is the best course of action for you, as the purpose of assignment’s is review.

Moreover, at QHSS, and possibly other schools, most teachers spend a day before a test to review the content tested. Also, classes often go over the topic or practice the material many times in class, thus making it easier for you to know and understand the material. In turn, you’ll probably need less study time and cramming will be beneficial for you.

Lastly, procrastination prepares you for the big tests like APs or the Regents where you are under the pressure of a time limit. Thus, doing things at the last minute isn’t the worst thing to do in the world and might even help you in the future. However, try not to make it a habit as time management is a vital skill needed in life.