Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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158  CHAPTER 6

Challenging and Changing Beliefs and Misperceptions

Another way of dealing with procrastination involves challenging

and changing beliefs and misperceptions. The following misconcep-

tions are frequent among most procrastinators (Ferrari et al., 1995):

• Overestimation of the time left to perform a task.


• Underestimation of time necessary to complete a task.


• Overestimation of future motivational states. This is typified by
  statements such as “I’ll feel more like doing it later.”


• Misreliance on the necessity of emotional congruence to suc-
  ceed in a task. Typical is a statement such as “People should
  only study when they feel good about it.”


• Belief that working when not in the mood is unproductive or sub-
  optimal. Such beliefs are typically expressed by phrases such as
  “It doesn’t do any good to work when you are not motivated.”

Some misperceptions increase anxiety about a task, leading to a feel-

ing of futility or hopelessness regarding the ability to complete it (e.g.,

“It’s too late to complete this task”). Other misperceptions are char-

acteristic of individuals who are not very conscientious about com-

pleting tasks (e.g., “I do my best work when I do it at the last minute”).

EXERCISE 6.3: CHALLENGE IRRATIONAL BELIEFS

The following is a list of rationalizations and corresponding suggestions

for challenging the first three misperceptions (adapted from Ferrari,

et al., 1995, p. 198). Provide your own challenges for the remainder

of the beliefs. As you attempt to deal with reasons for procrastination,

ask yourself the following: Is my belief or explanation reasonable? Is

my belief accurate? Am I being objective? What argument or statement

can I use to discredit my irrational belief?

Irrational Beliefs Self-Talk Challenges

It’s too late to complete this “It’s never too late! If I get

task. started now, I can make good

progress and get the task

done.”

I’m very good at getting “I fool myself in thinking that

things done at the last minute, I do a good job when I wait

so I don’t have to worry. until the last minute. The truth

is I rush to find all the mate-

rial I need, I don’t have time

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