Procrastination and Personal Goal Achievement: A Reflection on Self-Discipline and Reward Substitution
Overview
This reflection paper examines the student's personal struggles with procrastination and its impact on long-term goal achievement. Drawing on insights from Ariely's research on self-control and reward substitution, the student analyzes how procrastination has hindered academic progress and personal aspirations, while exploring strategies for maintaining commitment and positive attitude toward future objectives.
What this reflection paper covers
- Introduction to procrastination as a personal challenge and its effects on goal progression
- Analysis of Ariely's approach to self-discipline through reward substitution and delayed gratification
- Discussion of two unmet long-term goals: completing undergraduate studies and purchasing a vehicle
- Reflection on the importance of commitment, focus, and maintaining positive attitude to overcome procrastination
Preview
Student’s Name
Instructor’s Name
Course
Date
Personal Daily Activity
Q3: Procrastination and You
Procrastination is a problem that has dragged me behind in many things. I got plans that have always pushed ahead, and every time I want to be pressing on the projects, I end up saying to myself, "I will begin tomorrow." I have long term goals, but I often give up when I think of what I have to go through to arrive at the target. Ariel’s insights, however, have encouraged me and I can comfortably fight procrastination. It is inspiring how he, Ariely, managed to convince himself to watch movies only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays without anybody watching over him to enforce the same. Also, how persevered in treatment to ensure that he is healed of hepatitis.
I now know that I am supposed to develop a reward substitution that will help keep me strong for long as I journey towards achieving my long-term goals. This is essential because it will ensure that I maintain a positive attitude as I pursue my goals. In this regard, the reward is meant to subsidize the pain that one goes through chasing a long-term goal (Ariely & Wertenbroch, 2002). Ariely knew that he had to persevere the pain of injecting himself with the medicine for him to be cured and to enjoy future life free of hepatitis C.