I have two deadlines left until I finish this semester, or rather, this bachelor. And, unfortunately, neither of the two deadlines can be classified as easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. One is an exam, entirely in Spanish, entirely EU law, entirely out of my comfort zone. The other is my thesis, the making of which as my final contribution as a bachelor’s student is quite stressful as well. Like weights pressing down on me, both deadlines follow me wherever I go, being there when I wake up in the morning and when I go to bed at night. Netflixing has turned into a sin. Cooking into a luxury. Going for a walk into lazy (at least run, a little voice seems to whisper in my ear).
And yet, the heavier the deadlines weigh on me, the more I do Netflix, cook, and go for walks (and runs, surprisingly). The more I find myself staring out of the window. As if I'm trying to create even more guilt and stress, I push the deadlines away from me, making them future-me's problem. I have never really been a procrastinator, but these two deadlines are really showing me a new side of myself. A side that hasn't quite figured out timing, in more ways than one.
So, how can the inner procrastinator be suppressed? Where to-do lists, Netflix-blockers, and food as motivation have failed, one thing has proven itself time and time again: shame (of not working, that is). Especially social pressure does wonders. And thus, I pack my laptop every morning, walk the few meters to the closest and cutest café and get started. Now, don't get me wrong, I do get distracted at cafés too. Especially when cute dogs walk in and fall asleep under the table I am sharing. But four or five hours anywhere but home count as much as eight or ten hours at home.
So, I have spent the past days discovering the different cafés in Madrid. I have learnt the art of ordering something I like but don't love so that I enjoy drinking it but don't finish it within three seconds. I have found out where you are allowed to study when and for how long. I now know where I can sit so that I can both maximise my focus as well as my view on cute dogs. And, not to forget, I know where to order what so that my wallet doesn't abandon me while I am still finishing my thesis' conclusion.
And so, with a chai latte in one hand, and my laptop in the other, I type towards to finish line.
Jesler van Houdt