The Dreaded Crunch

An awesome Dark-type Pokémon move, standing in at 80 base power and a 20% chance to reduce defense by one stage. Ghost-types and Psychic-types beware! Crunch is not only a move in Pokémon or a verb to describe the mashing of food or some other thing. It is a very real thing, that clamps down like the jaws of a bear trap on hard-working individuals and groups of people who are trying to accomplish important tasks. Here I am going to tell you about some experiences with crunch and how you can avoid being crunched yourself.

Crunched

To be frank, there are quite a few examples for me to pick from so I will go with one to paint the picture. Most recently, I had been prototyping an assignment for of my game systems course and had completed a number of assets for the project. I felt good about where I was and decided to turn my focus elsewhere on writing assignments for another course. Prioritizing other work over the next couple of days had me set for almost all my other courses. However even with all this work done, I realized how much I still needed to do with only a day or two before it was due. This is when those jaws of steel got me. As I then spent a large majority of the next days prototyping code, organizing a QA session, and finishing up the documentation. It took me an entire weekend to early Monday morning before finally getting the project in a presentable position. At that I was able to sigh in relief as the jaws of the crunch finally eased up and released me from its maw. Its a lesson that I am still learning as I often get crunched by assignments and due dates such is the life of a college student and of those out working in a number of industries.

Tricks and tips to avoid the bite

Crunch is something that we all face when working on a deadline. Sometimes it can be unavoidable, other times it maybe removed from the situation entirely. In any case, here of some of my tips to avoid and or reduce the pain that crunch can cause.

Time management

A key component in avoiding crunch, allotting enough time for work and other needs will make your life much easier. Try to plan ahead!

Procrastination is Crunch’s ally

This plays in tandem with time management, avoid slacking off with distractions so you will not be overwhelmed by your workload! Crunch attacks hard-workers and slackers alike!

Crunch hampers creativity and effort

Most of the time when under pressure, we think about getting things done rather than getting things done well. In any case, crunch reduces the quality of work in the end, which can create more problems later.

Sometimes unavoidable, but remember to breathe!

Depending on where you are working or circumstance-wise, sometimes crunch is part of the work flow and life. In such case it is likely that there is no way around it but in an instance like this remember to breathe and relax. Your not going to get any work done if your all flustered and unfocused.

Work with others

Working with others can reduce the stress and anxiety of going through crunch. Plan time to get together with compatriots who have similar assignments and complete the assignments together. In this way, you can bounce ideas off one another and provide feedback.

Crunch can put you in an uncomfortable position, whether your a Ghost-type, Psychic-type or otherwise. With proper time management and work flow you can avoid the jaws! Always remember that it can come back bite you!