Do you have trouble managing your time? Do you always procrastinate? Here’s a theory that can help you use your time more efficiently: Parkinson’s Law.
Each day, I have a set of tasks that I have to do. But I always leave the most difficult one to the last minute.
I would do all of the easy ones first. Then when it comes to the one that is the most important, I would procrastinate.
I’d say, “Oh, I have plenty of time to finish it. I’ll just chill and watch this or do that for a bit. It may help me do this task better.”
One thing would lead to another, and the time would pass by without me even realizing it.
Then, I would be left with only an hour or so to finish the one assignment that would make my entire day feel accomplished.
But here’s the kicker -I would complete it in that shorter time span.
This is something referred to as Parkinson’s Law.
What is Parkinson’s Law?
Parkinson’s Law is a theory developed by C. Northcote Parkinson.
He came up with this theory during his time in the British Civil Service and published an essay on it in The Economist.
The theory states that:
“Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”
So, what the heck does this mean?
Well, it means that if you allotted 3 hours, for instance, to do a homework assignment, you will spend 3 hours to finish that assignment (even if you don’t need that much time).
But, if you were to only give yourself 1 hour to complete that assignment, you will also be able to finish it in that time.
The reason why we do this is that we’re humans and we waste time (probably).
How to Use Parkinson’s Law to Our Advantage
So, how can you prevent this from happening to you so that you can manage your time better?
The best way is to set reasonable deadlines or due dates.
For example, let’s say your teacher or professor assigns you an essay that’s due in a month.
Instead of using all that time to do it, you should set a pre-deadline that’s one or two weeks earlier.
This way, you will be more focused on the task at hand and will work harder to get it done rather than procrastinating and potentially starting the assignment the night before.
However, if you just tell yourself that you want to finish it a couple of weeks earlier, you won’t (especially if you’re a serial procrastinator like me).
You’ll reason with yourself and find excuses to justify why you don’t need to complete it so soon.
So, in addition to setting the earlier deadline, you also need a way to keep yourself accountable.
You can use an accountability partner -someone who will deal a punishment if you don’t do it on time- or you can find someone to pair up with to do this method with you.
You two will set punishments for each other. You can also check up with each other throughout to see where each’s progress is at.
There are also apps that you can use. But I think doing it with an actual person you know will be more effective.
An alternative method you can do to prevent procrastination is by setting deadlines for each task of the assignment.
For instance, if your essay can be broken up into 5 tasks, then you can set a deadline for each one.
You can set a 2-hour deadline for the first one. Then, another 2 hours for the second, and so on and so on.
You can even use the Pomodoro Technique to finish multiple steps in one day.
By doing it this way, you will have clear goals for what you have to do in any given day or work session.
Benefits of Understanding Parkinson’s Law
By understanding and applying Parkinson’s Law, you will be able to manage your time more efficiently.
You’ll be able to complete tasks much quicker because you have an understanding of how time and procrastination work.
As a result, you’ll be more productive.
Final Thoughts
Procrastination is something that has always affected me.
I tend to leave things to the last minute and this affects how well I do something.
I’m sure many of you are affected by this, too.
Thus, if you want to start managing your time more wisely, start using Parkinson’s Law to your advantage.