Let’s examine the difference between being prepared and only completing tasks when faced with anxiety or pressure from a deadline. I’ve noticed that people generally work on things when they feel anxious or pressured, often due to someone in authority asking them to complete a task or because of an impending deadline. There are two types of people: those who prepare ahead of time and those who wait until the last minute.
In schools or colleges, for example, some students diligently prepare far ahead of exams while others study only as the exam date approaches. The latter group gets anxious about limited time and starts studying then. I belonged to this second category where deadlines would motivate me into action.
The main distinction between these two groups is choice. When facing anxiety or a deadline, one may not have much choice but to act; otherwise, they’ll face consequences for not meeting the deadline. A person who wants to avoid chaos should get their work done under such circumstances.
On the other hand, if someone chooses to be prepared before hard times arrive, they must take initiative themselves since it requires significant effort and discipline. These individuals can better handle long-term planning and delayed gratification compared to those who rely on instant gratification by working only under pressure.
Interest plays a role in whether someone prepares in advance or waits until a deadline looms closer. For instance, students might differ in how much they value rewards and recognition after exams which affects their motivation levels accordingly.
Understanding why we put off certain tasks until we reach deadlines is crucial as it helps us consider changing our work ethic for better results overall.