How to Overcome Procrastination
Procrastination is a challenge that many students face, and it can have serious effects on their academic performance. Whether you find yourself engrossed in cleaning or distracted by late-night reality TV, it's important to develop strategies to overcome procrastination and manage your time effectively. In this article, we will explore practical ways for students in the UK to stop procrastinating and increase productivity.
Procrastination can take some interesting forms. It can also have very serious effects on students. Whether your procrastination technique is “Netflixing”, online shopping, napping, or cleaning, you should work on strategies to overcome it and manage your time wisely. Keep reading to learn some practical ways how to stop procrastinating.
Be aware.
The first step to overcoming procrastination is to admit that you are avoiding the tasks you should be doing. Perhaps you are even reading this article as a way to procrastinate your Science homework. (If that’s the case, do your homework first, and then finish reading the rest of this article.) Some students procrastinate because they fear failure, but the simple truth is that unless you acknowledge that you aren’t being as productive as you need to be, you may not see any improvements in your time management skills. After you recognize which procrastination problem you’re experiencing, you will hopefully have the right mindset to be more productive.Pick a good study location.
Although tempting, curling up with a blanket on your bed is not the best place for doing your schoolwork. Ideally, you want your study spot to have good lighting and a clear surface with plenty of room to spread out your materials and laptop.
You also want to have one or two designated study locations that you go to consistently. If possible, these locations should be a place where you don’t do any other activities, like napping or watching TV. Soon enough, your brain will catch on when you go to this location where you will focus on your school work.
Eliminate distractions.
Have you ever tried to study but found yourself distracted by people coming to talk to you or every social media notification on your phone?This happens to almost everyone if you don’t hold yourself accountable. After you find a location that works for you, you need to eliminate distractions, such as turning off or silencing your phone. Also, for some students, listening to classical music or playing white noise can help drown out other distractions and help them focus.
Set achievable goals.
Many people procrastinate because the task at hand seems too large for them to tackle, or they don’t know which task to start with. Dividing your homework into small tasks can make an assignment seem less daunting, like constructing an outline for an English term paper or studying for a History test in chunks. Setting small goals that you can easily accomplish can make you feel more in control and productive, and enable you to break the cycle of chronic procrastination. You can also set SMART Goals, check this post!Reward yourself.
When you finish homework or revision before the due date, you shouldn’t be afraid to reward yourself for doing a job well done. Getting ice cream, running, or having a nap can all be good ways to refresh and prepare for your next studies. With the use of rewards, you can train your brain to develop those healthy study habits. However, it is essential to note that you shouldn’t reward yourself for your hard work as an excuse to procrastinate or put off your next study exercise.
Take a break.
Although it seems backwards, taking a break can actually boost your productivity. You may be thinking, “Isn’t procrastinating the same as taking a break?” The answer is no.You’re able to take a break and not be considered procrastinating because of intent. If you struggle to hold yourself accountable after your breaks, try the Pomodoro method for studying or other important activities. This involves using a timer to track your study sessions and breaks.
Get a study partner.
Having a study partner is great as it takes the routineness out of studying. It is also good for accountability. If you arrange to meet your friend for a study session, you’re more likely to show up, as you don’t want to break your promise to them. You’ll also be able to spur each other on, which helps with your motivation.You’ll need to make sure you have the right study partner. Someone who is focused and will encourage studying, as opposed to a friend who uses your study sessions as a chit-chat time.
You might want to find your perfect study buddy with one of our tutors!
Procrastination is a challenge humans have faced since the beginning of time. While in the short run, delaying tasks and projects may seem like a haven; in the long term, this can have massive side effects. These side effects range from poor grades to depression and anxiety. Use the tips given in this article to help you fight procrastination. In time, you will develop discipline and student procrastination will become a thing of the past.