University Students: Overcoming Procrastination For Success

Procrastination is a common issue for students, with a 2007 analysis finding that up to 95% of college students put off schoolwork. It can have serious effects on students, including lower grades, increased stress, and reduced well-being. However, there are many strategies that students can use to avoid procrastination and improve their study habits. This involves understanding the reasons behind procrastination, such as fear of failure, poor time management, and distractions, and implementing practical techniques to stay focused and motivated.

Create a schedule and break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks

Creating a schedule and breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks is a highly effective way to avoid procrastination.

Firstly, it is important to recognise that procrastination is not about being lazy. It is a self-protection strategy, often employed when we are anxious about failing or fearful of not being able to complete a task to a high standard. When we procrastinate, we are protecting our sense of self-worth and ability. However, procrastination can be overcome with a few simple strategies.

Creating a schedule is a great way to get started. Firstly, you need to be aware of your deadlines. For a paper, for example, you could schedule time to research, write, and revise. You could also give yourself deadlines for smaller tasks, such as finishing your research three weeks before the submission date. This will help you to keep on top of your workload and ensure you don't leave everything until the last minute.

It is also important to break tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks. This makes a task seem less daunting and will help you to stay motivated. For example, if you are revising for an exam, try splitting your revision sessions into topics, or break an essay into the introduction, middle, and conclusion. You could also try the 'Swiss Cheese' method, which involves spending a short amount of time, perhaps ten minutes, jotting down ideas for a paper, or skimming a text to get the main ideas. This will help you to make progress and gain momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

It is also important to be realistic. Achieving goals takes time and effort, so don't set yourself unrealistic expectations. You could also try the Pomodoro technique, which involves working in focused intervals, typically for 25 minutes, followed by a short break. This will help you to stay focused and manage your time effectively.

Finally, it is important to hold yourself accountable. This might involve sharing your goals with a friend or family member, or joining a study group, so that you feel motivated to complete your tasks on time.

Eliminate distractions

Distractions are everywhere, and they can easily derail your study sessions. It is therefore important to eliminate distractions to avoid procrastination. Distractions can come in many forms, from nearby conversations to phone notifications, hunger, and boredom.

• Turn your phone on silent or do not disturb mode: Put your phone away in another room if possible. This will help you avoid the temptation to check your phone and prevent distractions from text messages, social media notifications, or phone calls.
• Use website and app blockers: Utilize apps or browser extensions such as Freedom and Forest to block distracting websites and apps. Forest, for example, encourages you to stay focused by virtually planting a tree that will die if you use your phone during your designated study time.
• Find a quiet and comfortable study spot: Designate a specific area for studying, preferably somewhere with minimal noise and a clear, organized workspace. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions from your surroundings.
• Use headphones: If you are in a noisy environment, use noise-canceling headphones or earbuds to block out background noise. You can also listen to focus or instrumental music to help you concentrate.
• Take care of your basic needs: Ensure you are well-rested, nourished, and comfortable before starting your study session. Address any physical discomforts or distractions, such as hunger or boredom, by grabbing a snack or taking a short break.

By eliminating distractions, you can significantly reduce procrastination and improve your productivity and focus.

Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is a crucial step in avoiding procrastination. When faced with a large task, it's important to break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. This helps to reduce feelings of overwhelm and makes it easier to get started.

One way to do this is by creating a timeline for large tasks and focusing on long-term progress rather than short-term gains. For example, if you have a research paper due in two months, you might set a goal to complete the introduction by the end of the first month and the body by the end of the second month. This helps to keep you on track and ensures that you're not leaving the task until the last minute.

It's also important to be flexible and give yourself some wiggle room. Things may take longer than expected, so it's a good idea to estimate the time you need for a task and then double it. This provides time buffers, reducing stress and anxiety associated with tight deadlines.

Another aspect of setting realistic goals is prioritising tasks. Make a list of what needs to be done and order them by priority. Focus on high-priority tasks first and try to complete some smaller tasks first to build momentum.

By setting realistic goals, you can improve your confidence and belief in your ability to accomplish them. This, in turn, can help to reduce procrastination and improve your overall productivity.

Find a suitable study location

Finding a suitable study location is a key part of avoiding procrastination. Here are some tips to help you find the right study environment for you:

Choose the Right Environment for You

Most people prefer quiet study environments, such as a library or a quiet room at home. However, some people may find that they need background noise or music to stay focused. If this is the case for you, try working in a cafe or a busier area of the library, or put on some background music.

Make Sure Your Study Area is Comfortable and Well-Lit

Your chair should be comfortable, and the area should be well-lit to avoid straining your eyes. Check the temperature, too—if it's too warm, you may get sleepy. Fresh air will help keep you alert.

Keep Your Study Area Tidy and Clutter-Free

Start work with a clear desk. If you need to, set a timer for five minutes and do a quick clean-up before you start studying. A tidy study area will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.

Eliminate Distractions

Turn off your phone or put it on silent, and move it away from your desk. If you're easily distracted by social media, turn off your notifications and stay off those sites while you're studying. If you're easily distracted by other people, consider working in a quiet room or an area where you're less likely to be disturbed.

Create a Productivity Playlist

If you enjoy listening to music while you work, make a playlist of songs that will help you stay focused and motivated. Alternatively, you can find pre-made productivity playlists online.

Change Your Scenery if You're Struggling to Focus

If you're having trouble concentrating, try moving to a different location. Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to refresh your mind and boost your productivity.

Reward yourself

Rewarding yourself is a great way to stay motivated and avoid procrastination. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Set Small Goals and Reward Yourself

Break down your large, daunting tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if you need to write an essay, start by figuring out the title, creating a rough outline, and finding academic sources. Set small goals and reward yourself when you achieve them. This will help you stay motivated and make you feel more in control and productive.

Give Yourself a Treat

Once a week, give yourself a small treat as a reward for your hard work. It could be something like calling a family member, meeting up with a friend, or indulging in your favourite snack. Then, when you finish a larger assignment, treat yourself to something bigger. This could be a nice meal out, a day trip somewhere, or a new item you've had your eye on.

Make Studying Feel More Rewarding

Try gamifying your studying. Mark off streaks of days when you've achieved your study goals and give yourself a reward when you reach a certain number of days. This will help you stay motivated and make studying feel more like a game.

Visualise Your Future Self

Visualise yourself being able to relax after finishing an assignment or receiving a good grade. This can help you stay motivated and remind yourself of the bigger picture.

Focus on Your Goals

If you're working on an assignment that you find boring, try focusing on your academic goals instead. Remind yourself of why you're doing this work and what you hope to achieve. This can help you stay motivated and avoid procrastination.

Remember, it's important to find what works best for you. Try out different techniques and see which ones help you stay focused and avoid procrastination.

Frequently asked questions