Procrastination is common for many students. It’s caused by multiple factors, such as not understanding the material or having low energy levels, often leading to lowered self-esteem and poor grades. You may be wondering how to stop putting things off when you’re not motivated. All you have to do is follow these seven procrastination tips for students.
Sometimes you may procrastinate because you’re scared of doing the task. For example, you could be worried about failure or not being perfect. If an activity makes you uncomfortable, you may often avoid it. However, this is not the best option. Instead, change your mindset and focus on positive thoughts. Remind yourself you can handle any challenge. Acknowledging this anxiety can help you move forward.
Another thing to consider is that maybe the task bores you, so you do something more enjoyable, like texting friends. Combat this by diving into the project right away so it gets off your checklist. You can even break your assignments into smaller tasks to make them more manageable.
Many people face procrastination, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Beating yourself up will only increase your feelings of guilt. These negative emotions can trigger future procrastination, so forgive yourself and move on. Take time to process your feelings and consider talking out loud. Also, remind yourself that each mistake is a learning experience.
Create a to-do list to manage the assignments you’re dreading. Write out the specific projects and times to complete them. Consider scheduling these tasks for earlier in the morning, which can encourage you to get started instead of pushing things off. Also, ask someone to check in on your progress, such as a parent or friend. It can help to hold you accountable and stay motivated.
Promising yourself a reward for completing a challenging task can keep you focused. For example, you could grab a coffee or dessert with friends afterward. Make sure you take in the feeling of accomplishment and carry it with you.
We have a constant internal dialogue throughout the day. Sometimes these inner thoughts can lower your productivity. For example, thinking “I need to finish something” can be daunting. This phrase puts a lot of pressure on you, which can lower your motivation. Instead, replace it with something like, “I chose to do this.” This simple swap can make you feel more in control.
Are you wondering how to beat procrastination when you’re unmotivated? Distractions make it easier to push off certain tasks and divert your attention, so turn off your email and phone notifications. Place your phone in a drawer to prevent temptation while working. Another idea is to avoid multitasking, such as having the television on in the background. Also, be sure to let your friends know when you need time to study and limit social interactions.
Setting goals will help if you’re wondering how to get your motivation back. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-sensitive.
Having a specific goal can give you somewhere to start. Suppose you need to read a textbook chapter for class. Instead of doing it all at once, set a target. This could be to read five pages a day for the next week. Making the task more manageable can increase your motivation, allowing you to stay on track.
You will be more likely to achieve these goals with proper time management techniques. These may include making to-do lists or buying a planner. You can also use apps, such as RescueTime.
Here are some more strategies to try out:
Classes can feel overwhelming, and many students find themselves procrastinating. However, this can lead to more stress and decreased academic performance. Instead, try these procrastination tips for students to have a successful school year.