The Problem with Getting Started

I write to you with a rather ironic post. Here I am - a student that opened a blog around the importance of productivity and the use of technology to aid the sting of procrastination… only to realize that I am my own test subject.

My life revolves around to help others and the contribute to the environment around me - while also working on myself - but the tables have turned. I am exhausted, irritated, and burnt out.

To be honest, being a student in present day isn't easy - regardless of the fact that my generation is label as Generation Z because things are just 'too easy' for us. The possibilities of what we can do are easy - we are told to dream big and to reach for the stars but the expectations and realities of it all aren't that easy. For instance, I have been in University for 4 years - I work full-time, I attend classes full-time, while also being involved with Senate & Board of Governors.. oh wait, there's more: I am a steady volunteer, an art therapy community event facilitator, barista, and a successful small business owner. At a glance you'll think, "Oh sure, she's busy - she must be productive!" But, am I? Just cause I do a lot does that make me productive? It makes me busy and stressed out to the point of combustion but in terms of definitions… no, I am not productive. I am terrified of how much I have to do, when I have to do it, how well it has to be done and even the biggest question - do I have to do it? The best/scariest thing is that I am not alone, there are hundreds, if not thousands, in the exact same position as I. We are too busy for our own good.

Are we happy when we are busy? Or, are we happier with manageable amounts that produce great results? Is technology really to blame cause we don't get enough done? Do we bite off more than we can chew? Can technology be used to develop positive work habits to manage ourselves?

When I think of technology specifically helping to aid the issue of not getting things done - it's calendars, reminders, internet timers, accountability software, electronic to-do lists, and the list goes on. After struggling 4 weeks into my Spring Semester, I've realized that while I incorporate these into my daily life - it's more of a mask to the solution but it's not teaching me anything about how to be productive in a healthy way. Only after realizing that I may have subconsciously have picked myself as a test subject that am I realizing that this is in fact a challenge. My LSBA Tutorial is not going to be easy, it's going to involve research but more importantly a lot of trial and error… and that's okay.

I've ripped off the bandaid, the biggest step is done: I have started.

Categories: Computer Science, Technology