Thriving in a deadline-driven environment

I see this young lad most mornings, finding the last minute inspiration to complete (start?) his homework.

I remember those days, I remember being him, when nothing of any real substance could be done unless the deadline had reared its ugly head, was just around the corner and could no longer be ignored.
The white pages that had been gathering dust for weeks where then feverishly filled with a lot of nonsense that would keep the teacher/lecturer appeased for another while.

Come to think of it, I am still the same.
I never copy and paste as well as when I am under pressure.