Procrastination is an active process. You CHOOSE to do something else instead of focusing on what you need to do. So why not choose to succeed instead and follow these tips to stop procrastinating.
- Set achievable goals
- Create a study schedule with deadlines
- Change of scenery
- Take a break
- Do the difficult work first
- Get rid of distractions
- Have a support system
- Reward yourself
Set Achievable Goals
Set study goals for yourself, but ensure that they are realistic and achievable.
Do not set yourself up for failure by giving yourself more work than you can handle. Set small goals that lead up to bigger goals.
If you want to finish two chapters by the end of each week, set a goal to complete a specific section each day. Not only will you be getting work done, but you will also be more motivated with each goal you complete.
Create a Study Schedule with Deadlines
Plan your days before doing your assignments or exams.
Grab your planner and start writing down tasks to do each day. Whether it’s starting a certain chapter on one day, or doing a section of your assignment, divide your work into manageable chunks.
Set deadlines for each task to be completed. Be sure to give yourself extra time to complete it or leave some days empty. That way if something unexpected happens, you do not risk falling behind.
Change of Scenery
Sitting at the same desk every day could actually end up having an impact on your productivity.
Try changing your scenery every now and then to keep you motivated. However, choose locations that are quiet and distraction free. Maybe go to your local library or your favourite coffee shop.
Alternatively, try revamping your workspace. Move things around or add a plant or two..
Take a Break
Do not overwork yourself. It is better to study little by little throughout the day than to study non-stop for 3 hours only to become tired.
Allow yourself to take a break once you have completed a specific section of your work. This way, you will be motivated to do it so that you can take a break. However, do not allow your breaks to distract you from going back to your studies.
Try doing something productive during your breaks, such as taking a walk or having a quick bite.
Do the Difficult Work First
Most times, students tend to do the easy work first and keep pushing back the difficult ones.
If you keep delaying them, it’s never going to get done. Do the harder work first and get it out of the way. Once that is done, you will only have to focus on the shorter, easier work.
Remember, when it’s done, it’s done. You won’t have to worry about doing it later.
Get Rid of Distractions
One of the biggest reasons students procrastinate is because of too many distractions.
It is important to get rid of any distractions before you start working. Switch off your phone, sit in a quiet place, and tell your family members not to disturb you. Remove anything that might take your focus off of your work.
Have a Support System
Surround yourself with people who will help motivate and support you during your studies.
Tell your friends and family about your goals. As a result, you will have people constantly reminding you or asking how your studies are coming along.
Find people who are studying the same work, and meet up to study together. Not only will you have someone to hold you accountable, but can also help you if you are struggling.
Reward Yourself
A great way to keep yourself motivated to study would be creating incentives for yourself.
It could be something as simple as watching an episode of your favourite series after one hour of studying. Or perhaps, only allowing yourself to go out on the weekend if you have completed your week’s tasks.
The “2-Minute Rule”
The “2-Minute Rule” is a technique used to help people to stop procrastinating and start what they need to do. It states that “when you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do”.
Every goal can be broken down into a two minute version. For example:
- “Study for one hour” becomes “Take out my study material”
- “Finish chapter 6” becomes “Finish a section of chapter 6”
- “Go for a run” becomes “Put on my running shoes”
- “Wash the dishes” becomes “Fill the sink”
The idea of the “2-Minute Rule” is to make your tasks as simple as possible. That way, it seems easier to start.
Once you start doing the task, you trick yourself into continuing it. When you fill the sink, you will find yourself starting to wash the dishes. Or taking out your study material will lead to you opening your books and starting to study.
The purpose of the “2-Minute Rule” is to make the first two minutes of the task easy, no matter how hard the actions that follow are.
Stop Procrastinating, Start Today!
Have you been wanting to further your education, but keep putting it off?
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We have the best benefits for our students, including all year round registration and engaging support.
Stop procrastinating and start today, contact us using one of the following ways:
- Give us a call on our toll-free number 0800 39 00 27
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Author: Kayla Preston
Date Published: 08 January 2021