You did it again. After having such a productive morning, you managed to spend all afternoon procrastinating. Social media, news websites, Reddit – they are just too good at distracting you.
Do not worry! Procrastination is the thief of time, but there is a solution. Achieving your goals and dreams means overcoming procrastination. Sometimes, a change in habits can help you get motivated. Here are tips for every college student to beat procrastination and be more productive.
Break Large Tasks Into Small Ones
A study published in Psychological Science reveals that people are more likely to procrastinate when overwhelmed by their tasks. Procrastinators tend to overestimate their time while underestimating how long it will take to complete their tasks.
The most effective way to beat procrastination is breaking any large task or assignment into smaller pieces. Therefore, it doesn’t seem quite so daunting. However, it may take several attempts at breaking up assignments before you find a process that works for you.
Take a Short Break
Getting sucked into procrastination is quick and easy. Getting back on track can take time. Although this seems counterintuitive, one of the best ways to start working again is to give yourself a short break.
Find something that can distract you from schoolwork in a healthy way. For example, you could go for a walk, talk with friends, or watch an episode of your favorite TV show. The key is not to let this turn into another round of procrastination. Set a timer when you need to.
Make It Easier for Yourself
The less energy you need to expend starting a task, the more likely you will do it. Make it easier for yourself by eliminating barriers between thinking about the task and doing it.
Turn off distractions such as social media and email notifications on your computer. Also, clean up your workspace so there’s no clutter getting in your way. Clear off your desk, hang up clothes, and put away dishes in the sink before getting started.
Make sure you have everything you need for your task laid out. Your stationery includes pens, paper, and books instead of scrambling around when you are ready to start working.
Set a Timer
As you are about to start working, set a timer for 15 minutes. For an overachiever, set it for 30 minutes. Give yourself a small amount of time to work. Afterward, commit to working during that time without checking Facebook or answering texts. Nothing but work.
Time setting is about taking one task and breaking it down into manageable, bite-sized chunks. For example, an essay writer can set a time in their calendar to write only the introduction of the essay. Later on, they can focus on the outline, body, and conclusion.
You can also apply this technique by using minute timers to work on projects for only a certain amount of time. This technique may be particularly effective if you are working on a project that requires a lot of concentration.
Create a Routine
One way to beat procrastination is to treat your work like a job. Set regular office hours, create a daily task list, and remove distractions during that time.
It is easier said than done. First, start treating schoolwork like a job. Also, avoid letting others tell you how to spend your time. Then, you will likely be in better shape to focus on what matters most – getting good grades and graduating with honors.
Apart from creating a routine, make it a habit to stick to it as much as possible. This helps condition your mind and body to work best at certain times of the day – when you are most alert, hungry, or energetic.
Find Your Spot
Coffee shops are the perfect place to focus on work for some people. Others need absolute quiet. When your roommate is distracting, go to the library. If it is a beautiful day, take your laptop outside and enjoy the scenery while you work. Don’t waste time working in a crowded environment that reduces your productivity.
Procrastination isn’t a welcome roommate, but you can learn to live with it. Follow our complete guide to help you get back on track with your schoolwork. The first step is to make a plan that includes measures to beat procrastination. Then, follow the plan so you can focus on the task at hand. As you do this, remember that procrastination only has power in the short term; beating it will increase your productivity in the long run.
