Certified Travel Agent Practice Test

Which of the following describes an internal time waster that is within your control?

1. Procrastination

2. Distraction by others

3. Excessive multitasking

4. Environmental factors

The correct answer is: Procrastination

Procrastination is the internal time waster that is within your control because it originates from your own choices and behaviors. It reflects a decision-making process where tasks are delayed or postponed, often due to feelings of overwhelm, lack of motivation, or fear of failure. The key aspect of procrastination is that it is a personal decision to not take action at a particular moment, and as such, it can be managed and mitigated through self-discipline, setting clear priorities, and creating structured plans for time management. In contrast, the other options reflect external influences or require engagement with others, thus falling outside personal control. Distraction by others is dependent on the environment and the behavior of individuals around you, excessive multitasking can lead to diminished focus on individual tasks but often results from external pressures or workplace demands, and environmental factors include conditions such as noise or workspace layout that can inhibit productivity. Those situations might affect your productivity but are not solely reliant on your own internal inclinations or choices.