Procrastination is the bane of every student’s existence. We know what we should be doing; we don’t want to do it. It’s easy to put off undesirable assignments until the very last minute, but then we’re forced to pull a stress-induced all-nighter. Seven cups of coffee later, we0’re exhausted, frustrated, and turning in an assignment that hardly showcases our best work. Here are how to avoid procrastination and get some sleep for once.
How to avoid procrastination
Many students have procrastinated starting homework, finishing a project, or studying for an exam at some point in high school. College students are also prone to procrastination.
You most likely know what you should be doing, but you don’t want to. It’s tempting to put off difficult or time-consuming assignments until the last minute, but doing so may force you to pull a stress-inducing all-nighter. Here are a few suggestions for avoiding procrastination.
1. Get organized
You can’t do any work if you don’t know what assignments need to be completed. Invest in a planner or start using the calendar app on your phone. This makes it much easier to keep track of individual assignments and critical due dates.
2. Set simple, achievable goals
Part of the reason we procrastinate is that the task at hand seems too daunting. It’s a lot easier to get started on a project when you establish simple, reachable goals rather than a big, vague plan. For example, instead of telling yourself, “I’ll study biology tonight,” say, “I’ll study chapter six tonight.” This makes your goals less intimidating and more attainable.
3. Create a timeline/schedule
After you set your goals, create a timeline to complete them. This could be a study schedule for your big exam coming up (“On Tuesday, I’ll study chapter five, and on Wednesday, I’ll study chapter six”), or it could be mapping out an essay you have to write (“On Saturday, I’ll write the introduction and conclusion”). Breaking an assignment into small chunks over time makes it much more manageable.
4. Set a deadline
So many people get trapped in the cycle of “Someday, I’ll organize my notes,” or “I’ll get to that math homework eventually.” The truth is “someday” and “eventually” never come. It’s essential to set a specific date for when you want your goals to be accomplished. If you have an assignment due, aim to have it completed one or two days in advance. That way, if something unexpected happens, you still have extra time to complete it.
5. Get rid of distractions
It’s essential to rid yourself of all potential disruptions before working, so you don’t get needlessly sidetracked halfway through your task. For example, if you tend to spend too much time on Snapchat or Instagram when you should be studying, then shut your phone off (off). Distractions could also be external sources, like annoying siblings.
Try listening to classical music or white noise to drown out their constant chatter. Alternatively, you could change study environments altogether and head down to the local library or coffee shop, where you can clear your mind and study distraction-free.
6. Time yourself
When loaded with assignments, it’s easy to overwork yourself. Set a timer for 60 minutes to prevent yourself from burning out. Then you can…
7. Take a break
It’s important to take mental breathers from schoolwork now and then. When your timer goes off, take a 10–15-minute break. Listen to music, take a walk, or scream into a pillow—anything that takes your mind off of work and allows you to relax.
8. Use incentives
Everyone loves being rewarded. It’s important to give yourself incentives, no matter how small. It could be something as simple as, “If I work on this assignment for an hour, I’ll watch an episode of my favourite TV show tonight.” Or it could be a bigger goal like, “If I get an A in math this semester, I’ll go to my favourite restaurant.” It’s easier to pay attention when something is at stake.
9. Get the hard stuff done first
This may make you want to push everything back further. It’s hard to do something that you don’t want to do. But guess what? Once you do it, it’s over! It is best to complete your most challenging assignments first. That way, everything after it seems easier and takes a shorter amount of time. If you keep pushing that English essay back, you’re never going to get it done. It’s best to buckle down and do it.
10. Tell someone about your goal
It’s easy to forget about assignments or put them off if you’re the only person holding yourself accountable. If you want to get something done, tell a friend or family member. Now someone is holding you responsible for your goals. You can’t back out or slough it off.
As a bonus, you also have someone to celebrate your victories with, no matter how small. So whether it’s getting an A on that physics test or just finishing a project a few days in advance, your friend will be there to support you.
Learning How to avoid procrastination is an important asset to your success in school and late in life is an important skill to have.
