Ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok or playing video games when you should be doing homework? Or maybe instead of facing that essay you’ve got coming up, you’d prefer embark on an unnecessary cleaning spree. Sound familiar? You’re not alone – studies show that almost all students procrastinate once in a while, and that 75% of students consider themselves habitual procrastinators.
While procrastination is normal human behaviour, letting it get out of hand can be really bad for your mental health and overall wellbeing. Getting rid of that “due today, do today” mindset can eliminate anxiety, give you more time, and boost your self esteem.
We’ve got some tips to help you tackle procrastination and get back on track with your projects.
What is procrastination?
Procrastination is delaying or postponing tasks that need to be done. Ever chosen to do something more enjoyable or easier instead of tackling what’s important? That’s procrastination. Procrastinating often leads to stress and a mad rush to meet deadlines, which in turn results in a lower quality of work.
Being a habitual procrastinator can affect your grades, your stress levels, and your overall well-being. By learning to manage it, you can improve your performance, reduce anxiety, and have more free time to enjoy the things you love.
Why do we procrastinate?
Procrastinating doesn’t have just one root cause – there can be a ton of things that contribute to why people procrastinate, and it’s different for everyone. Here are some common reasons why people procrastinate:
- Fear of failure: Worrying that you won’t do well can make you avoid starting a task.
- Perfectionism: Wanting everything to be perfect can make it hard to begin.
- Lack of motivation: If a task seems boring or uninteresting, it’s easy to put it off.
- Feeling overwhelmed: Not knowing where to start can lead to delaying the task altogether.
- Poor time management: Struggling to prioritise tasks correctly can result in procrastination.
Luckily, we’ve got some tips for targeting these common causes, so you can get ahead with your tasks and start eliminating stress.
How to overcome procrastination
1. Break tasks into smaller steps
Large tasks can be overwhelming, so try breaking them into smaller, manageable steps to make them less daunting.
Example: Instead of thinking, “I need to write a 5-page essay,” break it down into steps like researching, creating an outline, writing a draft, and revising.
2. Set clear goals
Set specific, achievable goals for each study session or task. This gives you a clear direction and makes it easier to start.
Example: “I will read and take notes on one chapter of my textbook today.”
3. Use a planner or calendar
Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and study sessions using a planner or digital calendar. This can help you manage your time and stay organised in an easy to access, visual system.
Example: Write down all your homework assignments and due dates in a planner, and plan out when you’ll work on each one.
4. Eliminate distractions
Find a quiet place to work and remove distractions like your phone, social media, or TV. Creating a focused environment can help you stay on task – we’ve also got a blog for the perfect study setup if you’d like to optimise your study time.
Example: Turn off notifications on your phone and find a quiet spot in the library to study.
5. Use the Pomodoro technique
Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four work sessions, take a longer break for up to 30 minutes – this can help you stay focused and prevent burnout. You can read more on this productivity hack right here.
Example: Set a timer for 25 minutes, work on your homework, then take a short break to stretch or grab a snack.
6. Reward yourself
Give yourself a reward for completing tasks and trick your brain into wanting to do more. This can be something small like letting yourself have a treat or taking a short break to do something you enjoy.
Example: Finish your math homework, then watch an episode of your favorite show.
7. Find an accountability partner
Try sharing your goals with a friend or family member who can help keep you accountable. Check in with each other regularly to stay on track, or try studying together so you can have accountability in real-time.
Example: Form a study group with your friend or classmate, and track your goals together.
Moving Forward
Procrastination can be a tough habit to break, but with the right strategies, you can manage it and improve your productivity. By breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting clear goals, and eliminating distractions, you can stay on top of your work and reduce stress.
Want more tips on managing your time and staying productive? Check out our website for more helpful blogs and resources to help you succeed in school and beyond.