Perhaps you have a project to finish, a test to prepare for or a chapter to read, but instead of starting, you find yourself scrolling on social media, watching videos, chatting with friends or completing less important things.
The problem isn’t always laziness.
Sometimes students put things off because a task seems too tough, uninteresting, stressful, or big to tackle. The good news is that procrastination can be controlled with the appropriate habits and tactics.
Here are some practical tips to help you prevent procrastination and become a more productive student.
Know why you procrastinate
The first step is to know why you are procrastinating.
Ask yourself:
Why do I avoid this task?
Maybe the task seems daunting. Maybe you don’t get the topic, you are terrified of making mistakes or you are just not driven.
Find the reason, and you can find the answer.
If the work is hard, divide it into smaller pieces.
If you don’t grasp anything, contact your teacher or a classmate for help.
Establish Clear Goals
Unclear goals make studying feel daunting.
Instead of saying, “I need to study today,” set a particular goal like:
* Read 2 chapters.
* Solve 10 math problems.
* Write an introduction to an essay.
* Review biology notes for 30 minutes.
With clear goals you know exactly what you need to do.
Split Large Tasks into Smaller Steps
Students can procrastinate when they have big assignments.
Or, instead of thinking “I have to write a 10-page assignment,” break it down into smaller tasks:
1. Pick a topic.
2. Study the problem.
3. Develop an outline.
4. Write introduction.
5. Write the major body.
6. Edit and revise the work.
Small activities are easier to begin working on and can make a big undertaking seem a lot more achievable.
The Five Minute Rule
Sometimes the toughest thing is just starting.
Tell yourself you’ll work on the task for just five minutes. For these five minutes focus completely on the work.
Once you get going you may find it easier than you thought to keep going.
Not usually the goal is to get everything done right away.
The aim is to defeat resistance to beginning.
Build a Study Schedule
Having a study timetable helps keep you organised and take the burden off at the last minute.
A realistic timetable is more beneficial than one that offers you too much work and is hard to follow.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions may turn a short study session into hours of squandered effort in no time flat.
If you want to study, clear away anything that can break your concentration before you begin. It could be your phone, too many open web tabs, TV, or social media.
If you use your phone to study, turn off notifications you don’t need.
The distraction-free setting helps keep the focus.
Try Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a simple technique to structure your study time.
You’re also free to set the timing as you like. The main concept is to blend concentrated labour with pauses.
This can make studying less tiring and help you in keeping your concentration.
Don’t Wait for Motivation to Strike
Many students claim “I will study when I feel like it.
The thing is motivation doesn’t always precede action. Sometimes the motivation to do something is created by carrying out it.
Even if you don’t want to study, start with a modest task.
As you go on, you may find yourself more intrigued and more motivated to continue.
Often regularity is more reliable than waiting for the proper mood.
Treat Yourself
Little treats can make work completion more fun.
When you’ve reached an important study goal, you might want to take a short walk, listen to music, eat a snack, or do anything fun for a few minutes.
The reward should come with the work, not replace it.
Don’t Try to Be Perfect
Perfectionism can sometimes lead to procrastination.
Some students procrastinate starting their work until they feel it’s going to be perfect.
They may spend a lot of time worried about making errors.
Remember, a first draft doesn’t need to be perfect.
Just start, refine it later and learn from your failures.
Perfection is less important than progress.
Study in Good Environment
Your environment can influence your concentration.
Choose an area where you can study well without too many distractions. Organise your books, writing supplies and other study equipment.
A tidy and organised work space can help make it easier to get to work.
Don’t Multi-Task
Studying and conversing, watching movies and checking social media can all mess with your attention.
Instead focus on one critical thing at a time.
Learn math while you learn math. write when writing an assignment.
Focus on what you’re doing before you go to something else.
Do the most important thing first
If you have a lot to do, select the most important or urgent item and get to work on it.
If you can, get an important task done early to take the pressure off and give you more time for other things.
“Don’t do the easiest things in your best study time just because they are easiest.”
Use a task list
A basic to-do list can help you remember what you need to do.
Make a list of what needs to be done and order the jobs.
Crossing off accomplished activities on your list might give you a feeling of progress.
Ask for help when needed
At times you delay because you are unsure how to perform the assignment.
If you’re struggling with a subject, ask your teacher, tutor, classmate or someone else you trust for help.
Having an explanation early can save you from spending days avoiding the chore.
Look after yourself
Your productivity can be affected by how you feel physically and mentally.
Get enough sleep, eat correctly, drink water and take sufficient breaks while studying.
It’s more tougher to concentrate and get motivated when you are always weary.
Procrastination can make school work more burdensome than it needs to be. But you don’t have to do it all at once.
Start with a tiny amount.
Set specific goals, break big assignments into smaller chunks, eliminate distractions, establish a study regime and get started even if you may not feel totally inspired.