Let’s first define terms.
What is Procrastination?
It’s simply the avoidance of doing a task that needs to be accomplished. We’ve all been there: putting off work until the last minute, watching hours of Netflix instead of studying for an exam, or avoiding organizing our workspace. And somehow, the word became a laugh-out-loud joke that we’ve all come to know and love.
What Causes Procrastination?
There are a variety of factors that can lead to procrastination. Some people may have difficulty concentrating or staying motivated, while others may be overwhelmed by the task at hand and avoid it due to fear of failure.
Procrastination isn’t just laziness or a lack of willpower. It can be caused by a host of things, including fear of failure, perfectionism, and low self-esteem.
So how do we combat this? Here are some tips and tricks to help you stay focused and motivated in school:
Tips for Overcoming Procrastination
1. Start small and build up. Break long-term goals into smaller, achievable tasks that can be accomplished over time. This way, it won’t seem so overwhelming, and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Most people freeze up when faced with an intimidating task, so break it down into bite-sized pieces.
2. Find what works for you. Everyone is different and learns in different ways, so find out which study methods work best for you. Whether that means studying in groups, listening to music while you work, or taking breaks regularly — find what helps you stay focused and motivated.
3. Reward yourself for accomplishments. It’s important to recognize your successes, even if they’re small steps toward a larger goal. Celebrate the small victories along the way — it’ll help keep you motivated and eager to reach your goals. Perhaps a cone of ice cream or a Saturday day out, reward yourself for a job well done!
Just remember to make the reward proportional to your effort. This means that the bigger tasks should be rewarded more than the smaller ones.
4. Eliminate digital distractions. We’re all guilty of scrolling through social media for hours on end, but this can be counter-productive when it comes to your studies. Or gaming until the wee hours of the morning. Set aside specific times to check social media and stick to it. The same goes for gaming — set limits so you don’t get too distracted from your studies. Turn off notifications, set a timer for yourself if needed, and take regular breaks from your screen time.
5. Ask for help when you need it. It’s okay to ask for assistance if a task seems too daunting or confusing. Don’t be ashamed to admit that you’re struggling, because everyone could use a helping hand every once in a while. Asking questions is not stupid, it’s smart. Think about what Einstein said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”
6. Take breaks. It’s easy to get burned out if you don’t take breaks and allow your brain some time to rest. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a break when you need it. Step away from the desk, go for a walk, listen to some music — whatever helps you relax and refocus. Just like our muscles, the brain also needs rest and recuperation to stay sharp.
7. Set deadlines for yourself and stick to them! Setting realistic expectations for yourself can help you stay on track and keep your motivation levels up. Sometimes, all it takes is the knowledge that there’s a deadline looming to keep us focused.
8. Find an accountability partner. Studying with a friend or classmate can help keep you on track and motivate each other to stay focused. Plus, it’s more enjoyable than tackling the task alone — it’s always helpful to have someone who can understand and empathize with your struggles.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few tips and tricks to help you stay focused and motivated in school. Procrastination doesn’t have to be the norm; with some self-discipline and determination, you can conquer the challenge of procrastination once and for all. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and get started on that task — you’ve got this!
Good luck!
