Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination is the habit of delaying something that needs your immediate attention. Putting things off can become a serious problem for college students. Students procrastinate for many reasons:
- Lack of motivation. Some students who are uncertain about the value of college may not be willing to do assigned work, even if a failing grade is the result.
- Fear of failure is common even among students who are highly motivated. Some students do not want to start a task because they feel they may not be successful at completing it and disappoint themselves, their parents, teachers, or peers.
- Some assigned work may seem boring or irrelevant. Students who have been given busywork in the past may assume that completing assignments is useless.
Here are some strategies for beating procrastination:
- Remind yourself of the possible consequences if you do not get down to work, and then get started. Also, remind yourself that simply not enjoying an assignment is not a good reason to put it off; it’s an excuse, not a valid reason.
- Create a to-do list. Check off items as you get them done. Use the list to focus on the things that aren’t getting done. Move them to the top of the next day’s list, and make up your mind to do them. Working from a list will give you a feeling of accomplishment.
- Break big jobs into smaller steps. Tackle short, easy-to-accomplish tasks first.
- Avoid doing other things that might seem more fun, and promise yourself a reward for finishing the task, such as watching your favorite TV show or going out with friends. For completing larger tasks and assignments, give yourself bigger and better rewards.
- Find a place to study that’s comfortable and doesn’t allow for distractions and interruptions.
- Say no to friends and family members who want your attention; agree to spend time with them later, and schedule that time.
- Shut off and put away all electronic devices during planned study sessions. If you need to use an electronic device for studying, turn off all social media and any other applications not part of your studying—and keep them off. Consider asking those living with you to help keep you on track. If they see that you are not studying when you should be, ask them to remind you to get back to the books. If you study in your room, close your door.
If you find that the above ideas and strategies to overcome procrastination don’t motivate you to get to work, consider re-examining your purpose and priorities in terms of college. If you are not willing or able to stop procrastinating, maybe you are not ready to commit to academic priorities at this point in your life. Only you can decide, but a counselor or academic adviser can help you sort it out. And remember that succeeding in your academic pursuits is one of the surest paths to increased success in life.
YOUR TURN > WORK TOGETHER
With two or three other students, discuss ways to avoid procrastination. What works for you? Share examples from your experiences.