3600 seconds. 60 minutes. ⅔ of a movie. ¾ of a class period. How do you measure an hour?

Is it the time spent on homework? With friends? At practice? Taking a nap? You can make it anything you want. Will you give into productivity, procrastination, or pleasure? 

Productivity

Productivity is like accepting a challenge; you embark headfirst to tackle a daunting task. Measuring efficiency can be difficult but the relief that comes with completing a to-do list item 

feels like a reward of its own. Forbes points out that the key to meeting goals is in structuring time. Here are their five tips to staying on task and working smarter:

1. Stop Multitasking ー complete focus trumps juggling
2. Take breaks ー boost concentration and mood
3. Set small, achievable goals ー create a sense of control to stay motivated on track
4. Take care of the biggest tasks when you’re most alert ー energy fosters confidence 
5. Implement the “two-minute rule” ー “if it takes less than two minutes, do it now”

Procrastination

Meh, it’ll get done later, right? If the task is unpleasant or stressful, we try to shove it deep down to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The Washington Post claims that it has to do with “emotional self-regulation” and “low self-esteem.” 

Senior Eric Yeung disagrees, arguing that “Procrastination depends on the class and [his] motivation for the class. It’s like art that you have to learn to perfect. If you’re good at procrastination, you get it done. The late-night guilt always forces [him] to eventually do it.” 

Following Yeung’s ideals, we can consider the opposing side. Is procrastination a form of self-confidence or self-destruction? I’ll leave that up to you.

Pleasure

Pleasure, according to the American Psychology Association is “a basic aspect of mental life and an important feature of positive emotions.” We enjoy sweet tastes, laughs shared with friends, the self-pride that comes with an accomplishment, and when we get what we want. Simply put, it feels good when things go our way.

The concept of bucket filling highlights the power of kindness. Its significance lies in attitudes and behavior ー when you show care for others and for yourself, the impact boosts positive feelings and confidence. When you lack consideration and compassion, the impact feels negative, like a bucket being emptied. Whether it’s giving someone a genuine and heartfelt smile or practicing self-care, doing what we love makes it possible to have even more good days. 

So, the next time you have an hour to spare, take a moment to consider your options. If you work productively, your to-do list will diminish and your stress will be temporary. The finesse will fuel you next time to keep up the same healthy habit. If you give in to procrastination, it’ll grant you a momentary breather. You’ll make room in your schedule to take a nap, but the assignment will be waiting for you when you wake up. Can you handle the anxiety? And finally, if you give in to pleasure, you’ll enjoy yourself. It’ll feel satisfying, but make sure you set a boundary so you don’t get lost down a rabbit hole of fun. The work has to get done eventually, doesn’t it?