LEFT TO THE LAST MINUTE

WHY WE PROCRASTINATE, AND HOW TO STOP

S. TAKKALAPALLI

What is it?

Picture this: the end of the school term is approaching, and just when you think you're done for the term, to your dismay, you’re hit with a biblical studies assignment. You know you should get straight to work and get it done sooner rather than later. But instead, a quick 10minute YouTube break turns into 20, then 30 minutes. And by the end of the hour, zero words have been written. Instead, you're now on the 10thDaily Dose of Internetvideo.

Before you know it, the days will have slipped away, the deadline creeping ever closer, and you find yourself sacrificing sleep to finish that assignment the night before. If you find yourself perfecting the art of last-minute cramming, and wonder how you ended up in that situation, fear not, you are not alone.

So, what is this invisible force that tempts us to binge-watch Netflix or scroll through TikTok for hours instead of doing that biblical studies assignment? Enter the world of procrastination, the prevailing art of postponing tasks until the eleventh hour More specifically, it is “the act of unnecessarily and voluntarily delaying or postponing something despite knowing that there will be negative consequences for doing so”. We actively know that there will be consequences when we leave things to the last minute so why do we still procrastinate?

Why do we do it?

High school life is a constant stream of decisions, from choosing what electives to take, to deciding whether you can survive on 5 hours of sleep or not. Amidst these choices, our brains naturally find comfort in making choices that maximise satisfaction and pleasure, whilst avoiding stress and tension. But we know that we humans are capable of delaying gratification it is one of the behaviours that sets us apart from other animals So, there must be something else at play here.

That is where fear comes into play. The fear of failure is a common part of the high school experience a phantom that haunts everyone. When faced with a challenging assignment or project, the fear of not meeting expectations can be paralysing Experts argue that procrastination is a shield an instinctive defence to avoid an immediate confrontation with the task at hand and the potential for falling short It is a scientifically proven psychological defence mechanism, though one that is ultimately ineffective because delaying work only amplifies the stress and pressures associated with the impending deadline. We are always striving for perfection and grappling with this fear of failure that can lead to procrastination and mindless scrolling.

Impacts on school life

We are all striving for academic excellence, but procrastination may be standing in our way as a formidable foe We always find ourselves needing more time to complete assignments or study for exams. Not only does procrastination reduce our chance of success, but it also creates constant stress as deadlines approach. And if we're not careful, delayed assignments can pile on and become unmanageable, becoming a massive waste of time.

Further, procrastination can also take a toll on our mental well-being The constant weight of impending deadlines combined with the guilt of postponing tasks can contribute to increased stress and anxiety levels. Unmet goals and high workload can erode our self-esteem, which makes us vulnerable to mental health challenges.

Beyond all the academic and extracurricular setbacks, the habit of procrastination can result in longterm consequences. High school serves as a preliminary proving ground for later life, where the ability to manage time efficiently is paramount By addressing procrastination earlier, we help set ourselves up for the long term, ensuring a more confident and prepared approach to life beyond high school

Overcoming Procrastination

Of course, the logical question to ask now is, what can we do to stop procrastinating?

Some effective methods to curb procrastination include dividing your assignments into smaller workloads and creating a realistic and balanced plan outside of school By prioritising and setting achievable goals, you set yourself up for success. Try focusing on making the end task seem less daunting it will help prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed, making yourself accountable You are the architect of your success and the driver of your failure Realise that you are responsible for your actions and empower yourself to succeed by changing your frame of thinking

But as with many other things, it's easier said than done. I must confess, that possessing this discipline is not my forte. Recognising the difficulty in cultivating this discipline, especially amidst the demands of high school, highlights the importance of seeking support from those we trust.

Personally, in the drafting process of this article, I found myself facing the very challenges I was writing about. Without anyone to watch over me, I encountered many moments where discipline wavered, leading to requests for extensions and struggles to meet deadlines. It became evident, through this experience, that asking for a mate or family member to give me reminders was crucial. This made me realise the significant role that others play in my success, providing crucial external perspectives and offering valuable insights that fosters a sense of commitment to any project.

My journey in writing this article highlights the significance of acknowledging our own limitations and seeking collaborative support to confront the invisible force that is procrastination. So, let this article call for collective resilience and shared commitment. Together, with self-awareness, discipline, and the strength of family and friends, we can triumph over procrastination, shaping a more fulfilling high school experience and beyond.

DIRECTOR’S CUT

WHAT SETS THE KING’S SCHOOL THEATRE APART FROM OTHER SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS? | O. HILL

As the phones find themselves locked away in the boarding houses, the late bus embarks on its final drop-offs, and the rowers reluctantly anticipate a 2k the next morning, an otherwise quiet building in the heart of the school springs to life. Here, late last year, in The King’s School Drama Theatre, a hilarious blend of chaos and comedic brilliance unfolded with the play ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’- a theatrical piece brought to the stage by the imaginative minds of Miss Sophie Tucker and Miss Alyssha Clarke in collaboration with Tara Anglican School for Girls.

In an incredible showcase of comedic prowess, it was Toby Butterfield, portraying the enthusiastic and naive Francis Henshaw, who stole the spotlight with his hilarious delivery, keeping the audience in stitches throughout the performance Opposite him, the charming Pauline Clench, played with humour by

Isabella Cleary, added a layer of romantic confusion to the show. The creative process behind the production, from learning lines to rehearsals and choreography, was a testament to the dedication and passion of the cast and crew. The meticulous attention to detail in capturing the essence of 1963 Brighton, combined with the challenges of staging and physical comedy, showcased the time and effort that went into a production of this quality. The result was a seamless performance that left the audience starstruck.

This production marks another feather in the cap of The King's School Drama department, now known for its consistently highquality productions Drawing parallels with previous successes like ‘Shrek: The Musical’, ‘Don’t Drink The Water’, and ‘School of Rock’, the School continues to set the bar high for amateur theatre

What elevates The King's School Theatre to a level above other school productions is not just the laughter echoing through the halls or the applause that reverberates long after the curtain falls. No what sets it apart is a blend of technological brilliance, musical harmony, delicate choreography, and the guiding hand of a seasoned director.

At the heart of the tech is Mr Steve Furzey, an experienced lighting director whose command over hundreds of professional theatrequality lights is simply genius With a team of over 15 dedicated students, Mr Furzey and the tech crew transform the stage, painting the scenes with light and shadow, enhancing comedic effect, and submerging the audience in the atmosphere of each production. It's not just lights though, it’s a layer of sophistication that sets The King's School productions apart from the ordinary. (Rumour has it that the Tech Crew claim they're not just handling lights and shadows, they're practically starring in the show!) They might be the real heroes behind the scenes but catching them in the spotlight is as rare as Joeys winning the Head of the River.

The music is orchestrated by Mr Greg Burgett, who leads a talented orchestra comprised of both staff and students The instruments become the heartbeat of each performance, infusing emotion into scenes and blending with the onstage action. The fusion of live music amplifies the overall sensory experience, creating a theatrical ambience that breaks the boundaries of just a typical school production.

Choreography is organised by the talented Ms Katrina Mann from Tara Her artistic vision breathes life into the performances, adding a layer of movement and expression that elevates the narrative. Ms Mann's choreography, seamlessly integrated into the productions, enhances the visual appeal, and contributes to the overall theatrical excellence When Ms Mann starts her choreography magic, the girls glide in like they were born doing the cha-cha. And the boys? Well, we take a while to get into the groove But you know what? When our efforts come together, it's a spectacle!

However, behind the technical prowess and artistic finesse stands the master himself, Mr Michael Terzo With years of experience, Mr Terzo has become the cornerstone of The King's School Theatre, consistently delivering jaw-dropping theatre and musical productions that leave audiences in awe. His vision, combined with a keen understanding of the dramatic arts, gives each production a unique energy, pushing the boundaries of what one might expect from a school performance. It's Mr Terzo's finesse that turns each musical into an immersive experience, where the line between the stage and reality blurs Yet, amidst the spotlight and standing ovations, there's one thing that's as certain as the opening night jitters crossing paths with Mr Terzo's fury is a bit like playing with fire. Behind that calm exterior lies a director with a knack for ensuring every prop, line, and actor is in place. Legend has it that misplacing a prop might evoke a spectacle that's more dramatic than the show itself. But hey, it’s all part of the ‘Mr Terzo experience’.

Mr Terzo is a director of no-nonsense style. With a firm hand and a clear vision, he brings order to the creative choices that unfold on stage. His approach is marked by a commitment to excellence through hard work, as seen in a quote from his speech after ‘School of Rock’ in 2021: "The rehearsals get more and more complex as the show develops".

This quote raises a compelling question: can students balance the intricacies of a demanding production while still excelling in their academic and sporting endeavours? It's a question that echoes in the minds of parents and teachers show after show Yet, Mr Terzo doesn't shy away from addressing this concern head-on

During the rehearsal process, Mr Terzo lays down the intense rules of the show, emphasising that the show always comes first. It's a bold statement that highlights the dedication required for a production of professional quality His nocompromise attitude extends to academic responsibilities, emphasising that all schoolwork must be completed. This focus on the show's demands speaks volumes about Terzo's commitment to nurturing not only the students' expressive talents, but also their discipline and work ethic.

Rory Crocker, a Year 10 student, found himself navigating the challenging waters of a busy schedule during the start of Term 1. The Closing Night of the musical ‘Shrek’ coincided with the Head of the River Regatta a logistical nightmare for any student. His reflection on the matter speaks volumes about the support system fostered by Mr Terzo and our student body: "Obviously these two activities have long and extensive time commitments which meant I did have to make some large adjustments to my schedule, but the support of the staff and boys got me through it.”

The laughter and the applause may fade, but the excellence in musical productions at The King's School is destined to endure, welcoming the anticipation of yet another chapter of outstanding theatre. King’s Drama looks forward to welcoming Frankie Valli to the stage as the Broadway classic, ‘Jersey Boys’ is presented in March 2024.