Learning Reflection

       The Big Thirst illustrates humanity’s complex relationship with water, and asserts that the

 problem of water instability is escalating at an alarming rate. While water purity and availability

plague multiple regions of the world, little is actually being done to solve the problem. As the

problem worsens, people turn a blind eye, assign responsibility elsewhere, and procrastinate. 

       The Big Thirst teaches that people will not deal with a problem until it is too late. This basically

applies to everything. We tend to not get gas until we’re on “E,” forcing us to call AAA for a tow.

Although I can shake my head at and scold society, I identify with this issue at a very deep level. 

     As a personal example, I am completely and utterly procrastinating studying for physics by

writing this blog entry. Additionally, our Literature and Civilization class has six essays due in three

days, and naturally, I have five more to write. 

     Interested in the issue of procrastinating (and also procrastinating myself), I decided to research

why exactly people procrastinate in the first place. After watching a couple of cat videos on

YouTube, I found some a interesting article. Through my research, I learned that twenty percent of

people identify themselves as chronic procrastinators in all facets of life, whether that be

assignments, payments, or Christmas shopping. Intrigued, I read further, “Procrastination is not a

problem of time management or of planning. Procrastinators are not different in their ability to

estimate time, although they are more optimistic than others” (Psychology Today). 

     As I read further, I learned that procrastination predicts higher levels of consumption of alcohol.

People who procrastinate typically misjudge their limits, leading to an excessive consumption of

alcohol, which pretty much sums up the college experience. 

      Skimming down the Psychology Today article, I noted that procrastinators tell lies to themselves,

such as “I’ll definitely do this later” and “I work better under pressure.” Haven’t we all done that?

Personally, I convince myself that a nap is totally a good idea and I will definitely get my work done

after a one hour power nap (which naturally turns into a four hour coma). 

      From the issue of water to global warming to filling up our tank, people procrastinate. So what

was the conclusion of Psychology Today’s article on procrastination? How do we solve this issue

plaguing society that renders us inefficient? 

     Well, the article concludes, “. . . highly structured cognitive behavioral therapy.” I’ll look into it

later, probably.