Procrastination. We all do it. In fact, most traffic to www.coltnews.com is the result of it. When there’s a task at hand, often even an enjoyable or profitable one, nearly every alternative use of time seems more attractive. Furthermore, this phenomenon has been worsening. What precisely is it about our generation that makes it so conducive to time wasting?

One potential explanation is the economy. In eras of extreme political or economic turmoil, the motivation of individuals seems somewhat diminished. This is especially observable in the generation after World War 1, dubbed the Lost Generation. Because of the earth shattering cataclysm, this era was characterized by empty extravagance and in most cases an inability to be efficient or productive. Although no catastrophe of this scale has taken place in recent years, the recession seems to have effected a similar attitude among the youth of today: valuing pleasure and making the most of the moment over long term rewards similarly characterizes our popular culture.

Another possibility is simply the amalgam of distractions available in our current world. Nearly all of us have the entire knowledge of the world as well as galaxies of entertainment accessible by a reach into their pocket. Smart phones and resultingly the internet allow us to engage in nearly every kind of diversion imaginable, is it really such a surprise that trig homework takes a back seat?

The third aspect relates to the social climate in which the millennials were born and bred. With the relative wealthiness and privilege that many Americans experience,  paired with the previously mentioned job climate, the necessity of growing up seems less pressing. Many millennials don’t have the drive to set up families and find a career straight off the bat, they need some time for introspection first (really another form of procrastination).

Whatever the reason for it, procrastination is no epidemic. Perhaps each of us have the capacity to succumb to this pesky problem, but we equally have the ability to overcome it. With a deep breath, newfound determination, and a realization that long term benefits really can be a worthy sacrifice for living “young, wild, and free”, we can overcome this behemoth and find ourselves more productive in the future.