Procrastination is a common challenge that many students (and others) face during their academic journey (or in life). Procrastination is often rooted in various factors, including fear of failure, lack of motivation, and poor time management skills. Recognizing the underlying causes can be the first step toward addressing procrastination effectively. It’s essential to understand that procrastination is a habit that can be changed with conscious effort and the right strategies. Whether it’s putting off assignments until the last minute or delaying exam preparation, procrastination can have detrimental effects on academic performance and overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll provide practical strategies to help students overcome this common obstacle.
First and foremost, start by setting clear, achievable goals for your tasks. Break down larger assignments or projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This not only makes the workload seem less overwhelming but also provides a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task.
Next, do not put off assignments or preparing for a test just because the course or assignment is “easy” (or considered easy). This is possibly one of the most difficult things to achieve, as it requires a full understanding of your academic profile, but you will likely need to do some type of triage of your assignments and tests in order to prepare as best as you can. Again, this is very difficult to do, but with a little effort and some time management skills, you should have enough time to complete everything. If you do not, it never hurts to ask your teachers for an extension (but do this before the deadline and do not use it too much).
Work to develop a realistic and structured schedule that allocates dedicated time for studying, assignments, and breaks. Stick to this schedule as much as possible to establish a routine, which can help reduce the temptation to procrastinate. It is important to mention that sticking to a routine is helpful only as much as it works for the situation. For example, if you have a two hour dedicated time to study mathematics, but do not have any tests or assignments scheduled for the next few weeks, you might not need the entire time to study. You can use the time you do not need for math to complete assignments or study for tests in other subjects.
Helpful Hint
Share your academic goals and deadlines with friends, family, or study buddies.
Large tasks can be intimidating, leading to procrastination. Break them into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach makes it easier to get started and maintain momentum throughout the process. You will also feel a sense of accomplishment as you move through the smaller tasks. If you do not think you can break the assignment down, ask your teacher or friends for help in creating a plan.
Identify and eliminate potential distractions, such as social media, notifications, or a cluttered workspace. Create a designated study environment that is conducive to concentration and productivity. We’ve covered this topic in more detail in a separate blog post, which you can read here.
If you still feel like procrastination is making it difficult to focus on your studies, try to establish a reward system for completing tasks. Treat yourself to a break, a favorite snack, or a leisure activity after achieving a set goal. This positive reinforcement can help reinforce good study habits. The rewards you decide to use will be specific to you. For some people a quick video game break will be best, while for others a snack will be preferred.
Another good tip is to hold yourself accountable. Tell another person that you trust (friends, family members, your pets) what you will do for that day and actually do it. At the end, tell them how much you were able to accomplish. Most often saying something is a great step in completing it. Not wanting to disappoint the person who you trust can be a great motivator to not procrastinate.
You can also form study groups with people in your class to help each other (and hold each other accountable). This way, you can start to make a support system that will help you (and in return you will help them) stay on task.
Procrastination is a common challenge, but with the right strategies, students can overcome it and develop effective study habits. By following some (or all) of the tips we’ve outlined, students can improve their time management skills and avoid procrastination. Once the habit to not put work off is formed, it becomes a way of life and procrastination is no longer an obstacle. Remember, overcoming procrastination is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. By addressing procrastination head-on, students can unlock their full potential and thrive in their academic endeavors.
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