Is it in the Cosmo(s)?

There has been much talk in the media about BYU's gaudy rise in the polls for college football.  Many are saying they have a shot at the BCS and even the National Title.  I, for one, believe if BYU wins out they will play for the National Title.  I would normally not be so optimistic, but my belief goes beyond reason.  It is based upon karma, crazy coincidences, and ultimately the cosmos.  Here's why I believe:

1.  Coincidental Shutouts

In 1985, a year after BYU won the title, they had two shutouts in a row that year.  The scores: 59-0 over Wyoming, and 44-0 over Utah State.  They hadn't had two shutouts in a row until this season. The scores: 59-0 over UCLA, 44-0 over Wyoming.

2.  Poll Rankings

The last time BYU was ranked this high, this early, was in 1984: the season they won the championship.  Near the end of September they were ranked 7th in one poll in 1984.  This year they are ranked 7th in one poll at around the same time.

3.  Oklahoma-Michigan

In 1984 BYU could have played Oklahoma (okla. declined the invitation to the holiday bowl), who was ranked extremely high that year.  In fact, many believed Oklahoma should have been ranked number 1 ahead of BYU until they lost to Washington.  Once again, Oklahoma is a national contender.  Interestingly, the last time Michigan was 6-6 in a season was the year they lost to BYU in the NC game.  Michigan is having a similar year and probably won't do better than 6-6.

4.  The Washington Controversy

In 1984, the big controversy was Washington, despite having one loss, should still have been number 1.  The most controversial game BYU played this year was at none other than: Washington.  (the infamous unsportsmanlike conduct flag).

5.  BYU had a few good seasons before the NC year.

BYU had established itself the few years before 1984, which helped vault them into national contention early on in the season.  The Cougars, this year, came into the season with the nation's longest winning streak.

Well, there you have it.  There are too many parallels to deny.  It's in the Cosmos. 

(I reserve the right to delete this post if we lose to utah state tonight.)

Can Procrastination Help Preclude Perfectionism?

I have a theory.  I call it efficient procrastination.  But first...

Perfectionism.

Often, when I want to get a big jump start on a paper or a presentation, I commonly find myself spending a lot of time.  In some cases, probably too much time.  I notice this, specifically, when I have to write a paper or when I'm preparing for one of my mock trials.  In doing such, I end up reading and researching, probably more than I need to.  Typically, despite how much effort, it still causes stress the day before, because I fear it's not quite yet perfect.  On the upside, I do feel, despite how bad the stress level becomes, I know because of the extra preparation, I'll make it through.  Question: is it worth the long term stress?  I'm not so sure, especially if I engage in what I call efficient procrastination.

Efficient Procrastination.

First, an illustration.  Last year, I had a paper due  after finals for my mediation class.  It was a 6 page paper for a pass/fail class.  Earlier in the semester, I did a sufficient amount of research to write it, but saved the writing for after finals.  I had one day to write the paper before it was due.  So that's what I did.  I spent 5 hours in one night writing the thing.  Turned it in, and didn't look back.  Now, if I had started writing it earlier on, I would have spent twice as much time for a paper that didn't count for much.  

Thus, I've learned, sometimes procrastination really does pay off.  I'm not saying that you should start writing a paper at 4am when it's due at 7am, because that may cause panic/ulcers/or worse: a very bad grade.  I am merely suggesting that sometimes putting things off forces me to spend less time on it.  Case in point: I spent a ton of time researching for my first mock trial.  Then, when it came down to writing my direct examination, I hardly used any of the material I read... I realized I should have started writing my direct before I went on this rabid reading frenzy.  I should have procrastinated.  

I have implemented this strategy in my Negotiations class when I have to write a one 4 page reflective paper a week.  I typically start a day before its due, knowing that this still would give me enough time.   As such, I get it done, and at the same time spend the first 5 days of the week not worrying about it;  when typically, it would take me a few days and several hours to write one measly, meaningless 4 pg. paper.  You see, the secret to efficient procrastination is that you still give yourself sufficient time to finish the assignment and do a good job.  Heck, I'd argue you could still do a great job.  In truth, efficient procrastination is really the cure to help avoid the habit of an excessive compulsive behavior... known as perfectionism.