We all have a love-hate relationship with procrastination. An assignment is due next Monday so that means you’ll start it next Sunday, right? This technique may work for some people, but it can cause stress and if you put something off until the night before you usually won’t produce your best work. It’s time to get a handle on this killer habit of procrastination and get to work! Here’s how:
1. Don’t wait until the last minute
Just do it. If you’re given a month to finish a group project, don’t push it off. Start preparing a plan and a way to tackle the big assignment that first week. Work on parts of your project or assignment bit by bit each day. Your future self will thank you because you didn’t cram those couple days before it was due.
2. Find that motivation
Remind yourself frequently all the positives that will come out of all your hard work. Maybe you find your motivation from a great studying playlist that helps get you focused. Try getting a friend to help push you to finish your work and to stop procrastinating.
3. Put the phone and all other possible distractions away
It’s hard to focus on schoolwork when you’d much rather be doing any other possible thing instead. But your phone is your number one distraction! If you’re working on homework in your room, put your phone on the complete other side of the room so you’re less tempted to check it every five minutes. It’s crazy how much work you can get done when you’re not constantly texting and checking social media.
4. Make a to-do list
Make a plan. When you write out all of your tasks and check them off one by one as you do them you will feel more accomplished and motivated to finish the next one. It’s a great feeling when you have check marks next to everything you needed to get done.
5. Reward yourself
If you’re following your plan and feeling on track then you deserve a break! Try not to check any electronic devices for an hour and then reward yourself. Go get ice cream with a friend, watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix or take a nap. It’s okay to have short breaks, but not too many. After your reward be sure to hit the books again!
Good luck preparing for midterms, Warriors!
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